In a study that polled 247 college undergrads, researchers Dawn Sugarman and Kate Carey of Syracuse University examined which strategies were most likely to reduce harm if students did drink alcohol. From their article in the journal Psychology of Addictive Behavior:
If the intervention goal is to reduce alcohol consumption, encouraging the use of strategies that selectively avoid heavy drinking situations or provide alternatives to drinking may be most beneficial. … However, if the intervention goal is to decrease the negative consequences associated with alcohol use, it is possible that strategies used while drinking may be beneficial, consistent with the findings of Delva et al. (2004) and Martens et al. (2004).
Things like learning to be in social settings without alcohol and learning other stress reduction strategies–certainly essential to know–were helpful in boosting alternatives to drinking, but not as effective at reducing harm while drinking.
Methods that most often successfully used while drinking in order to limit negative consequences included (from Table 1 of their article): Eating before and during drinking, drinking slowly, awareness of internal body sensations that indicate you are getting drunk, limiting cash and avoiding carrying credit cards or ATM cards before going out, drinking light beer, doing activities while drinking to space out drinks (e.g., dancing, playing pool), keeping track of the number of drinks and spacing them over time, and drinking only on certain days of the week. Choosing not to “funnel, shotgun beers, or do keg stands” was also on the list but less popular.
Building on research of this kind, the HAMS (Harm Reduction Abstinence Moderation) Network has come up with a great list with some of the same tips and even more ways to reduce related harms (like always carrying condoms, having designated drivers, and never taking drinks from strangers). Their short list:
· Eat First
· Be Well Hydrated
· Plan Your Transportation
· Travel In Pairs
· Schedule Your Drinking
· Carry Condoms
· Choose Your Drink
· Alternate Drinks
· Don’t Let Strangers Pour Your Drinks
· Don’t Drink Your Age
· Coffee Won’t Sober You Up
· Drinking At Home
· Take Your Vitamins
· Get Support
· Maturing Out
· If All Else Fails–Substitute
Many of these are common sense as well as validated by research. HAMS also provides details about things you might not know, like vitamin depletion. Check out the full story: College Students’ Guide to Safe Drinking.
I’m not encouraging you to drink, especially if you’re underage. But by acknowledging that it does happen and there are ways to make it safer, everyone benefits.
References:
The relationship between drinking control strategies and college student alcohol use, Sugarman and Carey, Psychology of Addictive Behavior, 2007 Sep;(3):338-45 [paywall]
College Students’ Guide to Safe Drinking, copyright 2008, The HAMS Harm Reduction Network, Inc.
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Links to This Article
University Update - Syracuse University - Safer Drinking (6/17/2008)
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9 Comments to
“Safer Drinking”
to be honest with you,i just cant really socialize well without drinking! its gotten to a point that i cant even conversate with a stranger in a normal setting! this is bad,yeah!!?
……………………………………….
jane doe
Drug Rehab Center
http://www.drugrehab-center.com
Drug Rehab Center
I think it is really mis advised to tell people that there is such a thing as safe drinking.Well at least that is how it all starts and before you know it,DOOM!
……………………..
MANI KANNA
Drug Rehab Center
drugrehab-center.com
Safer, not safe. You may have missed the point.
Making alcohol the forbidden fruit be lecturing about how evil it is–this is a sure way to increase binge drinking. Especially when the evils are exaggerated. When people find that those in authority are lying then they are certain to rebel. All our anti-alcohol propaganda over the past few years has led to major student binge drinking. Better to stop the preaching and tell the truth–safe use is always better than unsafe use.
Dear Jane Doe
It sounds like alcohol is proving less than a satisfactory solution for dealing with your shyness. Maybe it is time to move beyond this temporary stop-gap measure and do some actual work to overcome social anxiety. One recommendation i have heard made is to join Toastmasters and practice public speaking. Whatever you do–work on the shyness as an issue in itself and save the alcohol for the celebration of good times.
My parents taught me resposible drinking habits at home. I starting having a glass of wine with dinner at 16, under their supervision. Many people do not learn responsible and safer drinking because they ONLY drink to get drunk. They have no concept of a simple glass of wine at dinner or a beer on a hot day. It’s downing the alcohol at all once or nothing at all.
I have a problem with anti-drinking zealots who think it is all evil and the fools who drink to get stinking drunk every time. They are sides of the same extemist, all or nothing thinking.
My parents taught me resposible drinking habits at home. I starting having a glass of wine with dinner at 16, under their supervision. Many people do not learn responsible and safer drinking because they ONLY drink to get drunk. They have no concept of a simple glass of wine at dinner or a beer on a hot day. It’s downing the alcohol at all once or nothing at all.
I have a problem with anti-drinking zealots who think it is all evil and the fools who drink to get stinking drunk every time. They are sides of the same extemist, all or nothing thinking.
http://www.google.com
What is “Maturing Out”? Interesting phrase.
Hi Lizzie - basically it means growing up, and out of a college party lifestyle. From the article: “Studies have shown that nearly everyone who parties a bit in school settles down and parties less when they get out into the real world. This phenomenon is known as ‘maturing out’–and it is the norm–not the exception.”
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 30 Jun 2008
