College Drinking: The Do's and Don'ts

With it being Friday and the weekend about to begin, I would like to share a post on drinking. Drinking is a shared pastime and activity for college students all over the country. As a college senior, I have heard almost every trick in the book of how to "sober up" and over the years, I have realized that many college students are unaware of what exactly alcohol does to the body, and are misinformed on how to sober up.

What Does Intoxicated Mean?

Alcohol affects the brain, which is the Central Nervous System of the body. It is also a depressant, so when consumed, alcohol suppresses nerve cells, slowing them down. A person that is intoxicated has had an excess of alcoholic drinks, and has lost control of basic motor skills and balance. This is why intoxicated persons are so easy to point out since they have slower reaction times, dulled hearing, and impaired vision. Also the reason why such persons tend to make bad decisions and have foggy memories.

Common Myths of How to Sober Up:

• Take a cold shower
• Drink black coffee
• Smoke a cigarette
• Get fresh air
• Drink water
• Eat food
• Exercise

NOTE: None of these will make an intoxicated person sober. 

Time

Time is a magical thing, and is also the ONLY thing that will make an intoxicated person sober. You should also use it as a basis to determine your driving capability. Usually, it takes 1 hour for your body to process one drink. One drink means 1 12oz beer, 1 glass of wine, or 1 1.5oz shot of
liquor. Remember that different people process alcohol differently. It is also scientifically proved that men process alcohol differently than women. NEVER try to compete with someone.

Stay safe and have a great weekend!