SPRING BREAK IS ALMOST HERE, POKES!
It’s time to hit the beach, the slopes or just snooze for a week on the couch with some Netflix. Spring Break is all about what you like.
But if you’re not trying to sleep the week away … here are some friendly reminders on how to stay safe this spring break.
The Heat.
A cool alcoholic beverage might sound pretty nice out in the sun … But you can become dehydrated easily.
Drink plenty of water between drinks to avoid alcohol poisoning.
Avoid swimming all together. Cooling off might seem like a good idea, but with each drink, your reactions are slowed and your judgement is more impaired, making it harder to get yourself out of trouble.
Don’t let “liquid courage” make you think you’re bulletproof. You’re not. Alcohol is a liar.
The Cold.
If you’re headed to the mountains, remember that drinking alcohol actually LOWERS the core temperature of your body. The booze will make you feel warm, but won’t actually warm your body or prevent hypothermia.
Avoid mixing physical activities, like skiing or snowboarding, with alcohol. #HoldMyBeer can turn into a terrible accident faster than you think.
Extreme conditions, whether it be hot or cold weather, can affect your buzz a lot differently than you intended if you’re not careful.
So what if you’re not going anywhere?
Even if you stick around town and spend your vacay on The Strip, you could wind up getting stuck in a rut. Whether you’re at a bar, concert, or a friends house party …
Keep your friends close and your drinks closer!
- Buy a new drink if you lose sight of yours.
- Never accept anything from strangers.
- Always take care of each other.
Remember that if you wouldn’t do it sober, you shouldn’t do it drunk.
And honestly, if you want to avoid that nightmarish hangover, just stick to water or non-alcoholic drinks and feel good about your choices the next day! The best parties are the ones you remember!
The down and dirty. WARNING: Mom voice ahead.
Make sure you’re aware of your surroundings this spring break. The conditions of the location you’re in are important.
If you are over 21 and decide to drink:
- Know the liquor laws of wherever you’ll be vacationing.
- Decide before you go out how much you will be drinking.
- Never drink from open beverage sources like punch bowls, pitchers or tubs.
- Don’t try to match friends drink for drink. The way alcohol affects your body will be different than everyone else.
- Eat before drinking. Drinking on an empty stomach can cause alcohol to affect you much quicker and can make you sick.
- Come with your friends. Leave with your friends.
IF YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE HAS ALCOHOL POISONING:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Stay with the person to make sure they don’t harm themselves more.
- Keep the person sitting and awake.
- If the person is conscious and able to swallow, slowly let them sip water.
- If the person is unconscious and lying down, carefully roll them onto their side with their arms over their head.
- Get a warm blanket for the person.
Now you know what to do, but do you see the signs? Familiarize yourself with them just in case, because we want you to stay safe.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning:
- Individual is unresponsive
- Individual cannot stand unassisted
- Individual won’t wake up
- Individual’s breathing is slow
- Individual has flushed skin
- Individual is vomiting while passed out
The most important things to remember are:
- Don’t leave the person
- Don’t let them have more alcohol or any medication
- Don’t let them sleep it off
You won’t get in trouble for being a good friend, even if you’ve been doing something else you shouldn’t have...Check out the Good Samaritan clause in the Student Code of Conduct for more information.
Additionally, the state of Oklahoma participates in the Medical Amnesty Initiative. This is a statewide law which grants intoxicated minors a limited legal immunity when they seek help for themselves or another individual who is in need of immediate medical attention.
Click here for more info on all the Do’s and Don’ts when you suspect someone might have alcohol poisoning.
NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
You know this already, so call an Uber or your best designated driver and get home safe if you or any of your friends have been drinking even a little.
A DUI in Oklahoma can cost you thousands, sometimes above $10,000 depending on the case. You’ll also potentially lose jobs, your insurance will go up and you could lose your license. It’s no fun having to blow into a breathalyzer to start up that vehicle, and neither is not having a ride at all.
Don’t forget to have fun, but keep your future in mind! We all want the best for you.