The Responsibility Is Yours Alone

Naomi Leadbeater

Back to school already??

The school year is starting again and here we are, back in the dorms or back in our apartments. Time to open up those calendars and mark down class schedules and make plans for that elaborate social calendar. Whether you plan on doing the Rock the Block or hit up the local club and bar scenes remember: drink responsibly. This is of course would benefit you in two major ways. The first way in which drinking responsibly would help anyone out is of course the one we’ve all been told about since high school: Health and Safety. There are many times when someone finds that they have injured themselves during the events of the night before. In fact, there is even a fan page dedicated to such a phenomena on the social networking website Facebook. Beyond bumps and scrapes, a major problem is diabetes. Diabetes is an illness that occurs when the liver can no longer produce a chemical called insulin and has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels. So remember, it may be all fun and games but somewhere the price has to be paid somehow. Now as for safety. When someone consumes alcohol, their awareness levels and perceptions are completely altered. Fights happen and again, a new story for the Facebook group posting, or a visit to the police station. As a student pursuing a career, a ding in the criminal record won’t look too good to the potential future employer. Beyond aggressive behaviour there are also moments when choices are made from drinks to the bedroom. I’m not here saying not to do it but rather that you make sure it is consented and that in the event that someone says no, that it stops there. Remember after all, no means no. Now item number two on the list is financial reasons. Remember that things cost money and being a student that the social calendar is going to cost you. It is easy to get lost in the moment and not think for the big picture. Instead of choosing every social event and going to a bar every weekend, try simply to prioritize on a few events and then look for other things to do. And the biggest one to remember is to continue going to classes. Seeing as university is quite the investment. So whatever you decide, remember to drink responsibly.

Some drinking tips: - Never drink on an empty stomach. - If your going out to a bar/club, go with a group of trustworthy friends. - Drink in moderation. - Don’t drink and drive, call a cab or designate a sober driver and that doesn’t include the one who seems the most sober.