On spring break, with fewer obligations and more free time, college students may engage in more unhealthy behaviors than usual.
College students often increase the amount of alcohol they normally drink while engaged in spring break activities — which is why UHS made recommendations for students to stay safe during their spring break travels.
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It’s important for students to make sure they limit their drinking and take measures to stay safe when going out over spring break, Jenny Rabas, University Health Services spokesperson, said.
Tips for drinking safely:
- If you’re going out, take an Uber, use a taxi or have a designated driver.
- Drink beer instead of shots
- Avoid drinking games
- Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Don’t drink more than one drink in an hour
- If someone has had too much to drink, help them
An additional precaution is students’ tolerance levels have the potential to be lowered in places students may visit over break, Rabas said. Research on people drinking alcohol in new settings indicates they develop lower tolerance levels in unfamiliar environments, she said.
Wisconsin ranks number one in the nation for binge drinking, and alcohol use is particularly high among college students in the state.
For those who don’t plan on drinking alcohol over break, Rabas had some additional advice.
Safety tips for the sober:
- Stay hydrated when in the sun
- Don’t drive when you’re tired
- Look out for others in your group
- Use protection when having sex — Zika virus can spread through intercourse
Rabas encouraged Badgers to have fun on spring break, but to be responsible.
“I just hope people enjoy their time,” Rabas said. “I think if they’re responsible they’re going to have a better time in the end.”
