Many movies and televisions shows make it seem as if EVERYONE on campus is drinking.  But you know that’s not true and it’s important that attention is placed on students who choose not to drink.  Over a quarter of uh undergrads are non-drinkers, and over 20% more did not drink in the last month.*  That means you’re not alone and that alcohol is NOT a central part of the college student’s life.  Because you’re a non-drinker you have the opportunity to be safe and help others remain safe while partying.  Here are some tips you could follow:

In general

• Never feel pressured to drink.  Know that most college students choose normal healthy practices, and a large portion choose not to drink at all. For more alcohol social norms click here.
• Know the signs of alcohol poisoning, and call for help if you think someone might have alcohol poisoning.  For more info visit the alcohol poisoning section
• Don’t buy alcohol for anyone underage.  It can cause serious damage to your and the underage drinker’s permanent record at UH, and can get you in trouble with the law.
• Encourage your friends to remain alcohol free or to drink within the recommended limits.
• If you are present at a party on campus that serves alcohol to underage students or guests you could get busted even if you weren’t drinking yourself.  Check out the rules of drinking on campus.

When going out:

• Choose to be the designated driver
• Use the buddy system to watch out for one another
• Refuse to ride with a “buzzed” or drunk driver
• Never leave someone who has passed out; get them help
• You can get a pre-paid taxi card by going to www.cabbux.com

* Source: American College Health Association – National College Health Assessment Institutional Data Report, Spring 2009, UH Manoa.