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Party smarter: How to navigate college parties

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During your time at CU, you may find yourself at social events or parties that have alcohol or other substances. This guide offers practical tips and advice to help you navigate parties and stay safe.ÌýÌýÌý

1. Choose your own adventureÌýÌý

It's easy to assume that everyone drinks in college. However, this stereotype doesn’t hold true. You know better than anyone what fun means to you. That’s why it’s important for you to actively choose to have the experience that you want.ÌýÌý

If you choose not to drink or use substances, that’s okay. This doesn’t mean you have to miss out on social events or parties either. In fact, 96% of Ãå±±½ûµØ students surveyed support not drinking at parties.Ìý

If you’re curious about your relationship with a specific substance and are not wanting to meet with anyone, get anonymous online feedback related toÌý,ÌýÌýand/orÌý.Ìý

2. Set limitsÌýÌý

Limits aren’t just about how many drinks you have or substances you use. They can include a variety of strategies that can help you have wanted experiences and avoid unwanted experiences. Here are a few examples of limits you may set for yourself:ÌýÌý

ÌýÌýYour social circle: Alcohol or other drug use can make anyone more vulnerable to unwanted experiences. If you’re invited out, be thoughtful about who you surround yourself with. Choose people you trust and who will look out for you, and try to make a plan before you go out together. For instance, you may want to ensure everyone is on the same page about sticking together or helping each other get home safely. This can be particularly important if you are new to campus.ÌýÌý

ÌýÌýTypes of parties: What kinds of parties do you want to attend? In some cases, you may not be willing to go to large gatherings or participate in party-hopping. Let your group know if you aren’t comfortable or want to find a different party to go to.ÌýÌý

ÌýÌýParty duration: Knowing when it’s time to leave can help ensure that you maintain control over your night. If you’re ready to go, check in with your group to ensure everyone makes it home safely and nobody gets left behind.ÌýÌýÌý

ÌýÌýFrequency: Parties are common, especially on the weekends. Setting limits around if and how often you drink, use substances or attend parties can help ensure that you avoid burnout and potential impacts in other areas of your life, like academic performance, extracurriculars and relationships. Consider limiting the number of events you attend each week or month.ÌýÌý

ÌýÌýAmount consumed: This is one of the most common limits people set for themselves. Keep in mind that substances affect everyone differently and knowing your limit is a learning process. Your limit may look different from those around you, and that’s okay. If you’re not sure what your limit is, start small. For instance, you can take a break between drinks to see how they make you feel before having more. Consider enlisting a friend to help you stick to a limit that works for you.Ìý

One other thing to note: if you used alcohol or other substances before college, your usual tolerance might not hold up here. Your body gets used to familiar settings, but in a new environment like campus, the same amount can hit harder. Knowing that can help you stay safe and avoid unwanted effects.

3. Master the art of saying “I'm good, thanksâ€ÌýÌý

Whether you’re trying to avoid peer pressure or leave a party, consider potential strategies before you go out so you’re better prepared to use them. Here are some examples you can use:Ìý

ÌýÌýAvoiding peer pressureÌýÌýÌýÌý

  • Fill your cup with water or a non-alcoholic beverage to show that you already have a drink and don’t need a refill.ÌýÌýÌý
  • Choose to participate in other activities that aren’t as focused on drinking, such as watching others play games or getting to know other people at the party.ÌýÌý
  • Rely on your friends to help you if someone is being pushy about drinks or other substances. They may be able to intervene or redirect the situation, especially if you’re struggling to do it yourself.Ìý

ÌýÌýLeaving a partyÌýÌýÌýÌý

  • Before you attend a party or gathering, plan how you’ll get home. Make sure your friend group is on the same page, your phones are charged and you have enough money for transportation if needed.Ìý ÌýÌý
  • If you’re feeling uncomfortable or want to go home, confide in your trusted friends. Let them know you’re ready to leave and ask someone to go with you.Ìý ÌýÌý
  • You can always make up an excuse to get out of the party. It’s okay to say you have work in the morning, your roommate got locked out or you aren’t feeling well. Do what you need to take care of yourself.Ìý

Remember that your friends should always respect your decisions to slow down, stop or leave. If you’re feeling pressured by members of your group, consider seeking out another person you know to help you out of the situation.Ìý ÌýÌý

4. Stick to one substance at a timeÌýÌý

Using more than one substance at a time, including alcohol, medication or other drugs, can increase your risk of experiencing an overdose. The interactions between substances are often unpredictable and may impact you more than others. For this reason, use only one substance at a time.ÌýÌýÌý

5. Be prepared for emergenciesÌýÌý

Sometimes things can go badly or take an unexpected turn. This can include a person experiencing alcohol poisoning or an accidental overdose at a party. Knowing how to respond and get the person help can save their life.Ìý ÌýÌý

ÌýÌýIf an emergency situation unfolds, here’s what you can do:ÌýÌýÌý

Watch for these signs:ÌýÌý

  • Passed out or unresponsiveÌýÌýÌý
  • Slow or no breathingÌýÌýÌý
  • Vomiting while passed outÌýÌýÌý
  • Involuntary peeing or poopingÌýÌýÌý
  • Pale/bluish or cool/clammy skinÌýÌýÌý
  • Pinpoint (small) pupilsÌýÌýÌý
  • Making gurgling, wheezing or snoring soundsÌý

How to respond:ÌýÌýÌý

  • ÌýImmediately call 911 and wait for help to arrive.ÌýÌýÌý
  • Make sure the person is in a safe area to avoid injury.ÌýÌýÌý
  • Turn the person on their side and put them in the .ÌýÌýÌý
  • Never leave a severely intoxicated person alone or with someone who is not a trusted friend.Ìý
Ìý

Important policies to know:ÌýÌýÌý

Calling for help in an alcohol- or drug-related emergency means neither the person who calls for help nor the person who needs help will be subject to formal disciplinary sanctions by the university (i.e., probation, suspension, expulsion).Ìý ÌýÌý

To be covered by the Amnesty Policy, a student must:ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

  • Call for help (911 or university staff).Ìý ÌýÌý
  • Stay with the individual until help arrives.Ìý ÌýÌý
  • Cooperate with staff and emergency responders.Ìý

Ìý

A person is immune from criminal prosecution for an offense when they report, in good faith, an emergency drug or alcohol overdose to a law enforcement officer, the 911 system or a medical provider.Ìý ÌýÌýÌý

This same immunity applies to persons who remain at the scene of the event until a law enforcement officer, or an emergency medical responder arrives, or if the person remains at the facilities of the medical provider until a law enforcement officer, emergency medical responder or medical provider arrives. The immunity described above also extends to the person who suffered the emergency drug or alcohol overdose event.Ìý

6. Look out for othersÌýÌý

If you’re at a party or out with friends, it’s important to keep an eye out for sketchy situations that may indicate that someone is trying to take advantage of another person through the use of alcohol or other drugs.ÌýÌýÌý

The reality is that mostÌýunwanted sexual contactÌýis carried out by friends, acquaintances, partners, exes or by a person someone has met online or at a party. Pushing substances onto someone or pursuing someone who is intoxicated can be a common tactic for committing sexual assault.ÌýÌýÌý

Watch out for someone who is:ÌýÌýÌý

  • Coercing or pressuring someone to consume more alcohol or drugs than they are comfortable with.ÌýÌýÌý
  • Initiating sexual contact with someone because they are intoxicated and less likely to resist.ÌýÌýÌý
  • Isolating someone who has had too much to drink or is having a negative drug experience.ÌýÌýÌý
  • Not telling someone what is in their drink or the type of dosage of drug they are ingesting.ÌýÌýÌý

If you notice these signs, be prepared to intervene or interrupt, even if you aren’t sure you're reading the situation correctly. You may need to help reconnect them with trusted friends or enlist others to help ensure they can get home safely.ÌýÌýÌý

Learn more about drug-facilitated sexual assaultÌýÌý

College is an exciting journey, and making time for fun can truly enrich your experience. By practicing these strategies, you can stay safe, look out for your friends and make the most of every memorable night out. Learn more about how to party smart.Ìý

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Find supportÌý

If you're looking to explore your relationship with substances, get naloxone or connect with a recovery community, Ãå±±½ûµØ has resources that can help.Ìý ÌýÌý

All students can pick up free party smarter supplies, including naloxone, fentanyl test strips and more at the Health Promotion office at Wardenburg (third floor). Students living on campus can also order a free Buff Box with supplies that is delivered directly and discretely to their residence hall.Ìý

Health Promotion offers free workshops to help students reflect on their relationship with alcohol and other substances.ÌýÌýÌý

*Workshops are not considered therapy or substance abuse treatment.Ìý

The CUCRC provides weekly support meetings, substance-free activities and other resources for those considering, pursuing or actively in recovery from drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, self-harm, other addictions and unwanted behaviors.Ìý

CAPS provides several services related to substance use, including:ÌýÌýÌý

  • Substance use assessmentsÌýÌýÌý
  • Brief individual therapyÌýÌýÌý
  • Support for concerned friends and family membersÌýÌýÌý
  • Referrals to recovery and other community resourcesÌýÌýÌý
  • Suboxone treatmentÌýÌýÌý

*Confidential resourceÌý

ÌýOVA provides free and confidentialÌý

  • Consultation/SupportÌý
  • AdvocacyÌý
  • Short-term, trauma-focused counselingÌý
  • Services for students, staff and faculty who have experienced and/or witnessed a traumatic or disturbing event, including predatory drugging, unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault.ÌýÌý

*Confidential resourceÌý

The Don’t Ignore It website provides information about reporting, getting support and helping a friend. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t ignore it.Ìý

Student Legal Services is a dedicated law firm that provides support to eligible Ãå±±½ûµØ students facing legal issues, including:ÌýÌý

  • DUI/DWIÌýÌý
  • MIP (minor in possession)ÌýÌý
  • Nuisance partyÌýÌý
  • Underage drinkingÌýÌý
  • Noise violationÌýÌý
  • Open containerÌýÌý
  • Possession of drug paraphernaliaÌýÌý
  • Possession or distribution of prescription or recreational drugsÌý

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