If a friend approaches you with a drinking problem and you notice that a friend has a drinking problem. Help them by:

• Letting them know you are so glad they came to you
• Evaluate if there is a problem, then get help
• Approach or talk with them when they are by themselves
• Choose times to talk about the drinking problem when your friend is sober
• Talk with your friend in a quiet, private place
• Rehearse what you are going to say beforehand
• Try using the following techniques when speaking to your friend:
  • Be specific
  • Identify their behavior, rather than criticizing their character
  • Tell them how their drinking effects you
  • Explore some of the underlying causes of the drinking
  • Let them know the potential dangers that they face, such as sexual assault, decreased academic performance, ill health
  • Challenge your friend to think about their behavior

Present options

• Let them know you would be happy to get information about an AA meeting
• Let them know you would be happy to find them a counselor, or go with them
• Let them know you are thinking about them
• Give them web information
• Let your friend know there is support and help and they are not alone
• If you are worried about an intoxicated friend, call for medical attention immediately; don't wait until it is too late.
• If a friend blacks out, call for medial attention immediately and turn them on their side so they do not choke if they vomit.
• Remember cold showers make people cold, coffee tastes like coffee, and the only way someone can sober up is to give them time

Important Facts About Alcohol

• Alcohol is a depressant drug. It suppresses the central nervous system; people tend to feel less inhibited when they drink.
• One drink contains 5 ounces of alcohol. This is found in one 12 ounce container of beer, one 5 ounce glass of wine, and one 1.5 ounce shot glass containing 80 proof liquor
• Risky drinking includes drinking beyond moderate levels either on a regular basis or on a particular occasion.
• Approximately one-half of US adults report family history of alcoholism or problem drinking.
• Nearly 14 million Americans meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorders
• Tolerance is the need to use more of a substance, over time, to get the same effect
• The law in Massachusetts states a person 21 years or older is legally allowed to drink
• You don't have to be an alcoholic to suffer from alcohol abuse
• A night of drinking can cause you to lose the memory of what you studied that day. This can affect academic performance. The more someone drinks each week, the lower their grades.
• People have an increased chance of sexual assault while under the influence of alcohol
• Not everyone in college drinks. There are many non-alcohol fun activities to do with friends.
• Your drinking habits may affect you and your friends, roommates, family members, and classmates
• Alcohol affects men and women differently. Men are able to drink more than men based on their body composition and the way the alcohol is metabolized
• Please don't drink and drive. Drinking and driving is a dangerous and deadly combination
• ****buy your own, bring your own, drink your own****

Resources

• Health Education 617-521-1001
• Health Center 617-521-1020
• Public Safety 617-521-1111 emergency, 617-521-1112 non-emergency
• AA: Alcoholics Anonymous 617-426-9444
• Al-Anon Family Groups of Massachusetts 508-366-0556
• Bridge Over Troubled Waters 617-423-9575
• Narcotics Anonymous 866-624-3578
• Massachusetts Substance Abuse Hotline 800-327-5050
• http://www.goaskalice.com/

How Are Alcohol and Drugs Affecting Your Life?

• Do you use alcohol or other drugs to build self-confidence?
• Do you ever drink or get high immediately after you have a problem at home or at school?
• Have you ever missed school due to alcohol or other drugs?
• Does it bother you if someone says that you use too much alcohol or other drugs?
• Have you ever started hanging out with a heavy drinker?
• Is alcohol or other drugs affecting your reputation?
• Do you feel guilty or bummed out after using alcohol or other drugs?
• Do you feel more at ease on a date when drinking or using other drugs?
• Have you gotten into trouble at home for using alcohol or other drugs?
• Do you feel a sense of power when you use alcohol or other drugs?
• Have you lost friends since you started using alcohol or other drugs?
• Do your friends use less alcohol or other drugs than you do?
• Do you use drinks or use other drugs until your supply is gone?
• Do you ever wake up and wonder what happened the night before?
• Have you ever been busted or hospitalized due to alcohol or use of illicit drugs?
• Do you "turn off" any studies or lectures about alcohol or illicit drug use?
• Do you think you have a problem with alcohol with alcohol or other drugs?
• Has there ever been someone in your family with a drinking or other drug problem?
• Could you have a problem with alcohol or other drugs?

For more information and to talk with someone about alcohol use, or to schedule a drugs and alcohol peer education program for your Hall contact healtheducation@simmons.edu.