Have you ever drunk texted, blacked out, and woken up the next morning asking your friends “what happened last night?” It is tough to acknowledge those nights when you have been “that girl,” but it is college and we all live and learn. Everyone has their busy schedules during the week and when Thursday comes along all we want to do is PARTY. Well, relax. Before you get your groove on at Toads or make your way to Wicked Wolf or “Whitbag” there are some precautions you should take. There are many factors that can help you from being “that girl” and making bad decisions overall. The affect alcohol can have on you varies the following ways:
- Weight – Blood Alcohol Content is the amount of alcohol in one’s system divided by total body water. Therefore, depending on weight, someone who is heavier can consume more alcohol than someone who is lighter.
- Gender – Studies show that females reach higher BAC’s than males even if the same amount of alcohol is consumed. So, as much as you want to challenge your best guy friend at a chugging contest, don’t! You probably won’t win.
- Tolerance – Tolerance gradually builds as one consumes more alcohol each time. It varies with each person and depends on how much and often you drink.
- Fitness level – Going to the gym not only does make you healthier, but it also prevents you from having a high BAC. If you have more muscle than fat then your BAC will be lower than someone who has more fatty tissue since fat does not absorb alcohol as fast as muscle.
- Use of drugs, medication or pain pills – A cabinet medicine such as Tylenol can cause danger when mixed with alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says mixing alcohol with medications can cause drowsiness, fainting, or loss of coordination.
- Amount of food consumed before drinking – It is always important to eat before you drink. The food absorbs the alcohol and helps you from getting really drunk!
- Amount of time alcohol was consumed – It is said that one drink should be consumed within an hour so it can be absorbed, but if more alcohol is consumed within that hour the body cannot metabolize it causing further intoxication.
Below is the standard drink of which is 13.7 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. The chart below is the standard drinking chart.
So, before you head out with your friends, remember that you can have as much fun as you want as long as you know your limit. Always have fun but be careful!
Sources:
http://www.alcohol.vt.edu/Students/alcoholEffects/intoxFactors.htm
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/FAQs/General-English/Pages/default.aspx
Photo Credit:
http://www.dassa.sa.gov.au