(For a bit of context, this is a letter that I wrote to my niece in 2008 as she was going off to college and leaving home for the first time. I graduated from college in the mid-eighties and although the locations may change the situations are unlikely to be different regardless of time. I believe this is timeless advice to any and all as they begin their life as an “adult”.)
First things first. Don’t drink alcohol if you’re under 21. It’s against the law and it will likely cause you more trouble than it’s worth.
HOWEVER, if for some reason you find that you choose to drink here are a few hints and tips.
The most important thing to remember is moderation, Moderation, MODERATION! The last thing you really need to do is get drunk. Whatever pleasure is associated for that brief period of time that you are drunk is outweighed by the pain (hangover) that you will suffer later and for a longer period of time.
It is entirely possible to drink, have a good time and never get drunk.
One of the first things you need to figure out is your tolerance level. This is best done in the company of a few close friends. It may be one drink or two, perhaps even three (or more). But once you know what your comfort level is you then know how NOT to exceed it.
Now that you know your tolerance level, here are a few strategies you can use to inconspicuously not go past your limit.
By the way, never drink on an empty stomach. The alcohol will be absorbed into your bloodstream faster and you’ll reach your limit much faster. (I recommend pasta for any meal prior to an evening that is sure to include drinking)
So let’s say you’re at a party and it’s early in the evening. When you get a drink take very small sips, very infrequently. Hold the drink and nurse it for as long as possible.
Let’s say it’s later in the evening and you’re nearing your limit and people keep handing you drinks. You can take a sip or two and put the drink down and maneuver yourself away from where you left the drink (a trip to the bathroom is always a good excuse). If you need to, conveniently forget where you left your drink. Another good tactic is putting your drink down where there are a number of other drinks and conveniently forgetting which one is yours.
Let’s say it’s very late in the evening and you are at or past your limit. Use the above tactics and immediately stop drinking, even if people keep handing you drinks. You can hold the drink, but don’t drink. At this point you need to make sure you locate your friends and tell them you need to go out and get some air so they know where you are. (it’s usually pretty hot inside at a party so it’s a very reasonable thing to say) Now go outside and get some air. You can take the drink with you, just don’t drink from it.
It’s usually cool or cold outside so it will help clear your head and sober you up a little. If that doesn’t get your head clear try drinking some water. No one will ever know the difference and it should help to put you on an even keel. If you still can’t get clear after the air and the water then it’s time to call it a night. If your friends aren’t ready to leave yet you’ll just have to tough it out until they are ready to go. You can continue to hold your drink for as long as you like, just don’t drink from it.
Let’s say it’s way past very late in the evening and you’ve followed all the steps above. By this time you should have sobered up a little because of the air and the water. Caution! Just because you feel a little steadier don’t think that it’s OK to start drinking again. Also, if your friends are worth their salt they recognize that it’s time to go. However, assuming they are at or past their limits and don’t realize that it’s time to stop drinking, the next step is for you take matters into your own hands and go on home with or without them. Do whatever you need to do, but make sure you bail out and take care of yourself. Call a cab, or some other friend or something, just get the hec out of there.
Note: It’s always wise to have a designated driver before the evening starts, but realistically it’s a tough call by the end of the night, so don’t count on it.
To sum up, have some fun at college, do a little drinking as you see fit (wait until you’re 21 if you can) but always stay safe and under your own control.