Alcohol On College Campuses

By: Fedney Delphonse | Intern

With EIU's homecoming right around the corner, we would like to stress how important it is to stay safe if you choose to consume alcohol. 

Serving Sizes
When it comes to serving sizes, an average alcoholic beverage tends to have around 13.7 grams or 0./6 ounces of alcohol.  This would break down into:

• 12 ounces of beer 
• 5 ounces of wine 
• 1.5 ounces of hard liquor 

The same amount of alcohol is consumed for each type of drink listed above. A 12-ounce beer, 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5-ounce shot of liquor will affect a person in the same way. The type of alcoholic drink is not important, the amount of alcohol is.

Important to remember:
When drinking a mixed drink, it is easy to over-pour. As stated above, a standard drink size for liquor is 1.5 ounces. This includes liquor in a shot or mixed drink.  Also, if you are consuming jungle juice or a different drink made in a bulk, it is almost impossible to know the alcohol content of your drink. Be aware that one 12 ounce cup of jungle juice may be equivalent to 4-8 drinks! 

The same amount of alcohol is consumed for each type of drink listed above. A 12-ounce beer, 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5-ounce shot of liquor will affect a person in the same way. The type of alcoholic drink is not important, the amount of alcohol is.

With the knowledge of what a standard drink size is, you are better informed as to how much you are drinking, which can help cut down on the chances of over drinking. 

While choosing to drink is a risk in itself, there are many other protective behaviors that people can choose in order to make sure they are enjoying their nights out without putting themselves at more risk.

• Pace yourself! 
• Have a sober driver nearby when drinking. Just leave your keys at home. 
• Eat before you drink. Eating high-protein foods like cheeses and meats will slow
  down the absorption rate so the alcohol will not hit your system all at once. 
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water. Water helps dilute alcohol to slow absorption into the bloodstream.
• Avoid carbonated beverages as they increase absorption. 
• Help your friends. If anyone in your group has had too much to drink, ensure that they get a ride home with someone sober or find them a place to sleep.
• Always stay with your original group.
• Never leave with someone you do not know. Alcohol is still the number one date rape drug. 
• In the case of alcohol poisoning, it is important that you know how you can help yourself and/or others. 

Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning:

• Consumed large amounts of alcohol
• Unconscious and cannot be woken
• Takes less than 8 breaths per minute
• Feels cool or clammy to the touch
• Skin appears pale or blue in tone

How To Help Someone With Alcohol Poisoning:

• Call 911 
• Provide the address or familiar landmark if you are unsure of the address. 
• Give 911 a brief overview of the situation.
• Stay with the person until the paramedics arrive.
•  Making sure they do not aspirate and to check their breathing. 
• Help prevent aspiration by rolling them to their side. The left would be the best side but as long as the person is turned to a side, it will help keep the vomit from going into their lungs.

It is vital to help a person who may be suffering from alcohol poisoning. By intervening, you may save a life!

Resources:
For more information about alcohol and alcohol poisoning, please feel free to contact the Health Education Resource Center at  (217) 581-7786 or by email at herc-hlthpromo@eiu.edu.

Students may also contact Mike Tozer, the Alcohol Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery Specialist here at the HERC. If you have questions or concerns, please e-mail mtozer@eiu.edu or call (217) 581-7786.