WAVE Tools for Alcohol

The information on this page will provide you with resources about alcohol, drinking and partying responsibly, binge drinking, alcohol poisoning, and what to do in the case of an alcohol-induced emergency, in the form of PDF brochures, self-assessment quizzes, and other information and resources.

Click here to view the NMSU Alcohol Regulations.

 

Tips for Reduced-Risk Partying

• Plan ahead. Set a limit and stick to it.
• Alternate between alcoholic drinks and water in order to stay hydrated and space out your alcohol intake.
• Always have a designated driver (NMSU students can get a free ride with student ID from Crimson Cab, 526-TAXI)
• Eat before and while you drink to help slow the absorption of alcohol.
• Do not play, or cheat at, drinking games. Drinking games can cause you to consume alcohol too fast to realize how intoxicated you have become.
• Know how much you are drinking. 1 drink = 1 4oz. glass of wine, 1 12oz. beer, 1 shot of 80-proof liquor. Mixed drinks may be more than one serving!
• Use the buddy system. Stick with a big group and make sure you look out for each other.
• Keep an eye on your drink to protect yourself from date rape drugs - both men and women are at risk of being drugged.
• Don't drink from punch bowls or pitchers - they are easy to drug and it is difficult to keep track of how much you are drinking.
• Remember that it's okay not to drink!  Ask for a soda or water instead of an alcoholic beverage.

 

MYTHS and FACTS About Alcohol

MYTH: "I can drive well enough after a few drinks . . ."
FACT: 50% of all crashes among 18-24 year olds involve alcohol.

MYTH: I can sober up quickly if I have to . . .
FACT: It can take up to 2 hours to process one drink

MYTH: Beer doesn't have as much alcohol as hard liquor.
FACT: 12 oz. of beer = 1 shot of 80-proof liquor = 4.5 oz. glass of wine

MYTH: The more you drink, the better you feel!
FACT: Alcohol is biphasic: at low levels it produces feelings of euphoria; at high levels it produces unpleasant inebriating effects, such as vomiting, mood changes and passing out.

 

Do You Know What Binge Drinking Is?

Binge Drinking Is...

Drinking a lot of alcohol in a short amount of time

Reaching a very high blood alcohol level

Experiencing cognitive and physical problems as a result of excessive drinking

Binge drinking isn't just about the number of drinks consumed, but also the time frame in which it is consumed:

When a man consumes 5 or more drinks in a row within a 2 hour period.

When a woman consumes 4 or more drinks in a row within a 2 hour period.

Remember, one (1) drink is considered:

• 12oz beer
• 10oz wine cooler
• 4oz wine
• 1oz 80-proof liquor

 

Signs of a Problem Drinker

• Drinking alone
• Makes/finds excuses to drink
• Hides their drinking
• Inability to reduce or stop drinking
• Neglects responsibilities
• Change in appearance
• Becomes involved in violent episodes when drinking
• Has poor eating habits
• Becomes angry when confronted about drinking
• Has a decreased academic performance (drugfree.org)

 

Alcohol Poisoning

If you know someone who has had too much to drink:

DO NOT LEAVE THE PERSON ALONE. Blood alcohol levels can continue to rise even after a person has passed out. Check on him/her often!

Place the person in fetal position with pillow at the back to prevent rolling. A person can either drown in or choke on his/her own vomit.

Do not put a person in a cold shower - it can cause the person to go into shock.

Coffee will not sober a person up - the only thing that can sober someone up is TIME.

When in doubt, call 911.

Call 911 immediately if person is:

Unconscious, cannot be woken up or can only be awakened for a short time.

Poorly aware of surroundings.

Exhibits respiratory difficulties, including slow, labored breathing - 10 breaths per minute or less is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Blue under the fingernails or at gums.

Cold, clammy, and has bluish skin

Vomiting while semiconscious or unconscious.