6 Ways to Drink Responsibly:
Choose When and What You Drink
Designate A Non-Drinking Driver
Eat Before You Drink
Hydrate or Hangover, You Decide!
Track Number of Standard Drinks
Pace Yourself, It's Not A Race!
"Do I Have a Problem?"
A common myth surrounding substance abuse is "Only people with addictions have a problem." The reality is that there are many negative consequences that result from drinking or drug use:
-Inability to meet requirements or responsibilities in the classroom, in the work place or on the field as you once were able.
-Either losing or jeopardizing important work, familial or friend relationships.
-Suffering from uncomfortable or unhealthy medical conditions such as nausea, dehydration, blackouts, liver damage and impaired abstract thinking (brain damage).
-Experiencing legal problems such as being arrested for underage consumption, drunk driving or possession.
-Doing or saying things that harm self or other people (e.g. physical, verbal or sexual violence).
-Inability to attain personal goals such as obtaining a degree or sustaining a healthy relationship.
-Using substances to deal with stress or emotional problems.
-Ever wonder if your drinking or drug choices may have developed into an addiction?
Alcohol Abuse Screen
1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking but found you were unable to do so?
2. Have you felt annoyed by people who criticized your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?
If you answered yes to 2 or more questions, you could be at high risk. If you are experiencing any problems due to alcohol/substance use or if you believe you may have an addiction, we encourage you to contact the Counseling Center at 423-439-4841. A trained mental health professional can provide a free, confidential consultation.
How Do I Avoid A Problem???
The only way to guarantee that you will not develop a substance abuse problem is to abstain. If you choose not to abstain, then by following low-risk drinking guidelines you reduce your risk over a lifetime of developing an addiction, a medical condition (liver disease, heart disease, etc.) or engaging in unsafe activities (driving drunk, having unprotected sex, etc.). If you fall into one of the below-mentioned categories, then the only low-risk choice is abstinence.
-Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
-People who plan to drive or engage in other activities that require alertness and skill (such as using high-speed machinery)
-People taking certain over-the-counter or prescription medications
-People with medical conditions that can be made worse by drinking
-Recovering alcoholics.
-People younger than age 21.