Welcome back to another year in lovely Ann Arbor, Michigan. There is a lot to be excited about on campus, including our new football coach, the team’s first home win, seeing friends after a long summer, or even going back to school for another year. With everyone getting settled into Ann Arbor and so much excitement in the air, this early part of Fall Semester can also be a high risk time for students.
We here at Beyond the Diag, as well as the fine folks over at Wolverine Wellness, would like to remind all of you to "Stay in the Blue" and drink responsibly. You can learn more about "Stay in the Blue" and download the free app. The app has several great features, including “Call-a-Cab” that uses the phone’s GPS location to call a cab in just one click! There’s also a “Tracker” function to help students keep track of their drinks over time and ensure that they are staying in the blue. Finally, the app also provides a list of fun events happening in Ann Arbor if you are ever searching for things to do.
In addition to the app, we would like to let students know about the following safe party tips. These tips can be found on the UHS website.
Do:
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Count your drinks
- Set a drink limit using standard drinks
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Eat immediately before and while drinking, especially foods high in protein or fat
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Measure your own drinks, e.g. by using a shot glass for liquor
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If you play drinking games, set personal limits (e.g. fill beer pong cups 1/3 full, set a maximum number of drinks or game rounds)
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Dilute alcohol with non-carbonated mixers
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Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (EANAB: Equally Attractive Non-Alcholic Beverage; or water)
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Space out your drinks; if it usually takes 10 minutes to finish a beer, try taking 20 minutes
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Use a buddy system; tell a friend your limit and encourage him/her to help you stick to it
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Drink a look-alike beverage when you want to slow down or not drink at all (e.g. ginger ale, soda water with lime)
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Go out later or leave earlier from events
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Be prepared with reasons to refuse drinks assertively when you've had enough or you're not drinking
Do Not:
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Drink from open containers (punch, trash cans, etc.)
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Mix alcohol with stimulants (e.g. Ritalin or Red Bull) or depressants (e.g. Valium or Ativan); check with your doctor before drinking while taking any prescription medications, and check package warnings about drinking while taking over-the-counter medications
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Drive after consuming alcohol
With all of the upcoming football Saturdays and welcome back festivities, student safety is critically important. Remember to have fun, be safe, and Stay in the Blue while Going Blue!
Contributed By: Jacob Glinke, Beyond the Diag Program Assistant