Drinking smart in college

This post is all about how to have fun and be responsible at the same time! 

Research has shown that over 80% of college students consume alcohol. I do it, you might do it, your friends might do it; the point is that alcohol consumption has become a sort of norm within this age group. Unfortunately some people do get out of hand and don't know how to drink in a way that won't have them regretting everything they did when they wake up the following morning. That's where I come in. Here are a few tips and tricks that I've picked up over time for drinking responsibly:

• Pick a drink and stick to it.

Unless your goal is to start your next morning with a major headache and a desire to do nothing but sleep all day, DO. NOT. MIX. YOUR. LIQUOR. It's just a bad idea, so let's just not.

• Make sure you have friends around.

The buddy system is a thing and it really works. Keep friends nearby just in case something goes wrong, you get lost, or you do end up drinking a bit too much and can't take care of yourself. And if not for any of those reasons, then at least have a buddy around to be able to share funny stories with the next day!

• Drink with the crowd.

If you're in a restaurant and all your friends are enjoying a glass of wine or a beer, then try to keep things simple. You don't want to be the person who gets out of control when everyone else is just trying to have a casual night out. That being said, there's absolutely no pressure to drink your weight in shots if everyone else is doing so at a party. That being said...

• Don't push your limit.

If you know you're done, then you're done. Listen to your body when you're drinking, because chances are it's going to tell you when you've had enough. 

• Have a designated driver.

If you're going out with a group of friends, then make sure you figure out who's getting everyone home. Drunk driving is never alright, so flip a coin or take turns, but always make sure you've got one person who's in charge of driving home safely. 

• Stay hydrated and have some food in your system.

Snacks are your friend! Water is your friend! Keeping hydrated in any situation is important, but taking a break from cocktails to sip on some water will help keep you from getting a hangover. Also, take advantage of any kind of snack you can get your hands on while out for a night of drinking. Trust me, your stomach and head will thank you for it the following day.

• Never let your drink out of your sight.

Unfortunately, not everyone can be trusted. To avoid any kind of situation where your drink may be messed with, keep it nearby. If you do lose track of your drink for too long, just let it go and grab another one. The last few sips left are not worth being taken advantage of.

In the event that you do find yourself too drunk to get home, please call your designated sober aid to give you a lift home. It's free and it could potentially save some lives, so please look into this. If you don't know where to find this information, then just follow this link.

That's all I've got for now. Until next time...