Having Fun & Playing It Safe

For some students, going out with friends and having a good time may involve alcohol and most UT students drink in moderation. The tips on this page can help reduce the potential for harm while drinking.

Avoiding Alcohol/Drug-Related Problems

Taking some risks is expected and a normal part of the college experience. Setting a few guidelines can help prevent problems that could have lasting impacts on your life and those of your friends. The goal is to reduce the likelihood of harm to yourself or others by:

• thinking and planning ahead;
• setting low to moderate drinking and other drug use limits;
• eliminating unreasonable risks where possible and
• reducing the number of negative consequences.

What You Can Do

UT students use a variety of simple techniques to reduce potential harm associated with drinking. Research shows that the more techniques used, the less likely a person will experience negative consequences (i.e., hangovers, regret, memory loss, etc.). For example, do three or more of the following:

• Choose safe and familiar settings in which to drink
• Drink with people you know and trust
• Use a designated driver
• Set a limit and stick to it
• Count your drinks
• Know the Bacchus Maneuver (Correctly positioning a person who has passed out from alcohol use so they don’t choke if they vomit.)
• Learn how to say, "no thanks" and "no more"
• Avoid drinking games
• Eat before and while drinking
• Alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks
• Avoid drinking while taking medications
• Mix your own drinks or know exactly what's in them
• Have a plan to get home safely
• Pace drinks to one or fewer per hour

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