Northern Star Online: Be aware of your limits when you drink

When many students arrive at college and see drinking going on around them, it might be easy to believe that college is just one big party with no parents around – and no consequences.

You might have partied in high school. Or maybe you’re drinking your first beer in college. Regardless, know that drinking can turn ugly, and you do have the responsibility to prevent yourself from getting into bad situations as a result of it.

“I know my limits and don’t drink more than I can handle,” said Katie Richter, junior psychology major. “Whenever I go out to a party or the bar, I always go with a friend.”

Without Mom and Dad around, it’s easy to go out and drink several nights a week without getting reprimanded. That isn’t always a good thing. When you are out every night, it becomes easier for your grades to slip and your priorities to change.

Another problem with over-drinking is alcohol abuse, something different than alcoholism. This occurs when a person might “drink too much and too often but still [isn’t] dependent on alcohol,” according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

There is one big consequence of over-drinking that can get overlooked – drinking yourself into the emergency room. It’s easy to think it couldn’t happen.

Maybe you’ll only throw up and pass out. Maybe it will be worse.

There are ways to avoid the serious problems associated with drinking. Set limits for yourself, and follow them. If you find yourself unable to maintain school or work or other relationships, go out less.

“I always set limits for myself and only go out like twice a weekend,” Richter said.

If you’re at a party, and there are drinking games going on, be aware of how those games make it difficult to stop if you feel like you shouldn’t play anymore.

If you’re concerned that you’re abusing alcohol and can’t remember many nights or weekends, get help. Talk to your friends, talk to counselors, or come clean to your parents. Most of the time, your friends and parents will help you with this problem.

Don’t be afraid to tell them.

Lastly, keep track of the drinks you have and don’t reach for another one if you think you’ve had to many.

If you see your friend drinking too much or having problems, help them.

“Don’t be afraid to seek medical help for a friend who has had too much to drink. Don’t worry that your friend may become angry or embarrassed. Remember, you cared enough to help,” according to College Drinking-Changing the Culture.

Just be sure to think twice about playing drinking games each night.