Alcohol
No one knows yourself better than you do. After all, you are the one who cares enough to be reading this and chances are you're reading about alcohol because you are either worried about yourself or worried about someone else. Reading this also shows a certain level of good character and responsibility. Congratulations for taking the initiative to become more knowledgeable and responsible.
Alcohol abuse poses a variety of potential problems, especially for college students. Reasons why students drink are varied- you may drink to fit in, you may drink because you believe it helps you relax, you may drink because you're not sure how to say no or you may drink because you believe everyone else is doing it. Whatever the reasons, it's important that you know that the staff members at the SDCC are always willing to talk with you in a professional, non-biased and non-judgmental way about your concerns regarding alcohol. Call +1-508-831-5540 to make an appointment that fits into your schedule. Services are free and confidential.
When is it time to talk with a counselor?
There are four specific instances when you should meet with a counselor. They are:
- If you drink every day
- If you binge drink to get drunk
- If you think alcohol is affecting your grades or relationships with others
- If you think a friend has a problem with his/her drinking
Questions to ask yourself
If you are not sure if your drinking is becoming problematic you may want to ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I drinking alone because I am sad or depressed?
- Am I worrying my family members or friends?
- Am I drinking even though I tell myself I'm not going to?
- Am I getting headaches or hangovers the morning after drinking?
- Am I having difficulties getting to class the morning after I drink?
- Am I drinking more than I want to when I do drink?
How you answered these questions will give you a better sense about whether drinking is causing problems for you. If you think you should start trying to cut back on your drinking a counselor will be able to help you assess how much is too much and work with you on taking specific steps that may be helpful to you personally in cutting down or stopping completely. It usually feels good to have someone working with you as you go through the process of positive change; it feels good to know someone cares. For more information on how to cut down on your drinking go to: College Drinking Prevention
Knowing your limit: Calories, blood alcohol content (BAC) and monetary costs
Because we are all different it's important to get an idea about how much is too much. Your height and weight make a difference regarding how alcohol can affect you and so does the number of ounces you drink, what you drink and how much you eat before or during times when you are drinking. Being on prescribed medications is another important factor to be aware of. To get an estimated personal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level, a better idea on how much money you spend on alcohol and an alcohol calorie counter go to: College Drinking Prevention
What is alcoholism?
"Alcoholism" is the term used when your body has become dependent on alcohol. When your body is alcohol dependent you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Cravings: a strong need to drink
- Loss of control: You won't be able to stop when you intend to stop
- Physical dependence: if you stop drinking you might sweat or be nauseous
- Tolerance: your body will need more alcohol to get the same level of "high" that it used to get when you first began drinking
For more information on getting the facts on alcoholism go to:College Drinking Prevention
Alcohol poisoning
No college student wants to think about alcohol poisoning let alone experience it however it can be a reality when people consume too much alcohol. Specific signs for alcohol poisoning include:
- Mental confusion, stupor, coma, or person cannot be roused
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute)
- Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
- Hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color or paleness
What to do if alcohol poisoning is suspected:
- Know the danger signals
- Do not wait for all symptoms to be present
- Be aware that a person who has passed out may die
- Call 911 or campus police at +1-508-831-5555
For more information on alcohol poisoning go to: College Drinking Prevention
Helpful resources
American Psychiatric Association
B.R.A.D 21 Created by parents and friends of a student who died of alcohol poisoning.
Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters
National Coalition of Alcoholism
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: March 31, 2009 16:42:35