The reality of alcohol and drug consumption on college campuses is very different than what is seen in movies such as, “Animal House”. One recent study by the Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center revealed that of those female UCLA students who responded, 24% reported that they abstain from the use of alcohol. Sixty percent of the female respondents stated that they have 4 drinks or fewer when they party. Of the study’s male respondents, 25% said they abstain from the use of alcohol and 42% said that they drink four or fewer drinks when they party. On campuses nationwide, 56% of students report either no or low use of alcohol in recent studies. This is quite a different reality than what is portrayed in the typical movie that shows wild, intoxicated and irresponsible college students. Remember that it is your choice whether to drink or use drugs and keep in mind that the majority of UCLA students abstain from illicit drug use and report no or low use of alcohol.

Social gatherings and parties are frequently part of college life whether students are drinking alcohol or using substances or not. At their best, social gatherings or parties are a great place to meet new people, relax, and have fun. At their worst, however, they can be the source of alcohol poisoning, drug overdose, and sexual assault. Any amount of alcohol or drug use can lead to impaired judgment, which can possibly lead to dangerous consequences. It is the responsibility of all of us, as organizers or attendees, to make sure that social events remain fun and safe. Luckily, there are a number of easy steps you can take to increase your level of safety and help make your memories good ones.

Even though (as the Ashe study indicated) the majority of UCLA students do not drink or report low use of alcohol, alcohol is sometimes served at parties, drunk on dates, or used among friends. At times people can use alcohol, behave responsibly and not have negative consequences. When people drink irresponsibly, however, problems can arise. Drinking too much alcohol too quickly can result in alcohol poisoning, which is a serious health risk and can result in brain damage or even death. Drinking to the point of drunkenness leads to lowered inhibitions, poor judgment, and uncontrolled behavior, all of which can lead to making bad choices, ranging from dancing around with a lampshade on your head to committing a crime. Studies of rape on college campuses have shown that up to 80% of sexual assaults involve the use of alcohol by the victim or perpetrator or both (a vastly higher number than those that involve rape drugs such as rohypnol or GHB). The consumption of alcohol makes it hard to pay attention to the actions of others around you, to recognize danger signals, to listen when your partner says yes or no, and to defend yourself if someone tries to force you to have sex. If you have sex with someone who is unable to consent because they have been drinking or have passed out, you have committed rape and can go to jail for the crime.

The use of drugs can result in many of the same problems as excessive drinking, with the added danger of arrest and prosecution for using illegal substances. Drugs are also more dangerous because there are no standards for their manufacture and it is impossible to know what you a really taking. Illegal drugs, often combined with alcohol, are sometimes used to facilitate a rape as well, by further lowering the victims inhibitions, judgment, ability to protect him or herself, or even causing them to pass out (see section on Rape Drugs).

Here are a few suggestions to increase your level of safety while you have fun at parties or social events:

• Watch what you drink and know your limits. How many drinks can you have before you’re tipsy, drunk, or unable to think clearly? If you’re going to get drunk, make sure you have a sober friend who can watch out. A good rule is 0-1-3: 0 drinks if you’re driving or underage, 1 drink per hour, no more than 3 drinks in an evening.
• Avoid illegal drugs – you don’t know what’s in them or what effect they’ll have on you, and they can get you arrested! This includes underage drinking.
• Watch out for your friends. Don’t let friends go off into isolated areas with people they don’t know. Don’t let them drive if they have been drinking. Don’t leave them at parties alone.
• Create a buddy system with your friends. Keep tabs on each other and don’t leave a friend stranded without a ride home. Be assertive if you perceive a potentially dangerous situation.
• Go only where you want and with whom you want. Don’t let yourself be pressured into a tough spot, like getting into a car with a drunk driver, going to a party where you don’t know anyone, relying on strangers to take you home, or drinking more than you’re comfortable with.
• Know your sexual limits and be prepared to protect them. Think about what you want to say “yes” to, and when you’ll say “no.” LISTEN when others tell you “no.” Think twice before going into a bedroom or isolated setting (e.g. a car or empty room) with someone or more than one person, especially if you’ve been drinking. This may lead you into a situation, which may be difficult to control.
• Get out of a situation when your gut says, “No way.” Say what you mean and stick with it, like “No, I don’t want to go further,” “I don’t like it when you grab me,” “I don’t want you to drive me home, you’ve had too much to drink.”
• If you have reason to believe that someone is being raped or sexually assaulted, call the police immediately. Remember that sex with someone who has been drinking or using other substances and is therefore unable to legally give consent is a criminal act whether or not they have said ‘yes’.
• Watch out for the use of rape drugs and be sure not to leave your drink unattended (for more information, see the section on Rape Drugs).
• Be prepared – take a self-defense class (link to Upcoming Events to find out the dates of the next FREE trainings provided by The Center). Taking a class will teach you how to better identify and avoid vulnerable situations as well as will empower you. They are FUN, too! For more written information about self-defense link to this website’s section on Self-Defense.
• Utilize the campus safety programs such as the UC Police Department’s CSO Escort Service or the Evening Van Service (link to UCPD).