I know what you’re thinking, how is it possible to have fun drinking and stay safe at the same time? If someone chooses to consume alcohol, there are many ways to have a good time while keeping themselves and their friends safe. But don’t worry! We’re here to provide some tips while debunking many myths about alcohol consumption as well as shed light on the science behind safe drinking.
Best Drinking Advice? Watch your drink size!
Drinking sizes can vary based on the kind of alcohol you are drinking. A standard drink for:
Beer is 12 fl oz/ 255 mL
Wine is 4 fl oz/118 mL
Liquor is 1.5 fl oz/ 44 mL.
*One cup does not equal one drink! But you can use the lines to know what does! Standard drink sizes is the most accurate way to know how much alcohol you have consumed.*
Mixed drinks or cocktails made of multiple standard drinks do not constitute one drink (A Long Island Iced Tea can have at least 5 standard shots in it!). Therefore, it is important to keep track of how many drinks you have so it does not lead to binge drinking.
Binge drinking is consuming 4 standard drinks for a female-bodied individual and 5 standard drinks for a male-bodied individual within two hours.
It can be easy to binge drink without even realizing it. For example, different drinking games can quickly lead to binge drinking. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, binge drinking can also lead to unintended consequences such as risky sexual behavior due to reduced inhibitions and impaired cognitive function and motor skills, alcohol abuse disorders, as well as cancer of the breast, mouth, liver, etc.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is defined as the amount of alcohol present, as a percentage, in the bloodstream. BAC is based on your biological sex, weight, the number of drinks you consume, and how quickly you consume them. It is very important to remember that one’s tolerance does not influence BAC! You can refer to the following charts to calculate your BAC.
There are many myths out there about how one’s BAC can be lowered. But the only way to lower your BAC is time. Alcohol is metabolized by our bodies at a rate of about 0.016% per hour. Therefore, going to sleep does not necessarily mean you will wake up sober the next day.
Safe drinking and partying during COVID-19
It is also important to discuss how to drink safely and responsibly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital to remember to keep following all COVID-19 safety guidelines if one decides to drink alcohol or go out. Here are some tips for safe partying during COVID-19. Notice that most of these tips will apply outside of a pandemic as well!
Count your drinks
Eat food before and during drinking
Avoid mixed drinks, or measure them yourself using standard drink size measurements
Avoid mixing alcohol with other drugs
Limit your friend circle to a small group
Avoid sharing drinks
Remember to wear masks if you go out
If you go to restaurants, try to find outdoor sitting/ open spaces
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Resources
Use this link if you want to calculate your blood alcohol content! https://www.alcohol.org/bac-calculator/
Watch this video, starring a couple of my fellow REACH Peers to learn about accurate drink sizes and the perfect pour bar!
Harpur’s Ferry
Harpur’s Ferry is a student volunteer ambulance service for helping students on- and off-campus as well as the general Binghamton community. Harpur’s Ferry is 24/7 and free for all students! Don’t hesitate to call at (607) 777-3333 for any kind of emergency!
Decker Student Health Services
Contact Decker for an appointment for any injuries or illnesses. Decker is open Monday- Friday 8 am-3:45 pm. Contact Decker at (607) 777-2221.
Health Promotion and Prevention Services (HPPS)
607) 777-2254
REACH (Real Education About College Health)
Email: reach@bingahmton.edu
Instagram: reachbinghamton.edu
HPPS and REACH both offer informational programming related to party safety. Feel free to contact them or join some of their programs if you would like to learn more about alcohol awareness.
Addiction Center of Broome County
Phone: 607-723-7308
Open 8 am-8 pm Monday-Thursday and 8 am-4 pm Fridays. Contact the Addiction Center of Broome County if you are concerned about yourself or a friend.
References
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism:
American Addiction Centers:
Rethinking Drinking:
About the Author: Muskaandeep Kaur
Muskaan is a junior majoring in Biological Sciences on a pre-medicine track. She joined REACH to be able to learn as well as teach peers information about important health-related topics. She is involved in Harpur’s Ferry and works at the COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Site as well. Some of her hobbies include dancing and petting dogs.
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