Pilots Prevent
October 26, 2021
For little kids, Halloween is all about the candy. For college students, well, it’s still about the candy, but more so about the parties. It’s a time to dress up (maybe) and blow off steam (for sure) and take a break from the rigors of academics for a while. But with parties come an assortment of potential risks, so we asked James Peña, Wellness Education & Prevention Programs coordinator, to offer some words of advice.
First, when you’re going to a party, “Be mindful of the fact that we’re still in a pandemic,” Peña says. “Be mindful of what settings you’re entering. Remember basic COVID safety and avoid situations where you don’t know everyone, and where people might not be wearing masks. Basically, avoid those situations that might lead to an outbreak.”
Also, let’s face it—it’s the rare college party that doesn’t include alcohol. “If students are choosing to drink, ultimately what we care most about is their safety,” says Peña. “We hope they’ll be smart about it.”
His tips for responsible drinking include eating beforehand, staying hydrated, and avoiding drinking games. “Those spiral out of control more quickly,” he says.
And know your limits. “Rotate in water, keep track of the number of drinks you’ve had. When you’re in that social situation and you feel like you need to have something in your hand, switch to sparkling water or soda.”
It’s also a good idea to be cautious about what you’re drinking. Don’t leave your drink unattended and know where it came from. “It’s safer to drinking from something that was closed, like a new can or bottle, versus a bowl, because you don’t know what’s in there.”
To make sure you get home safely, Peña advises making sure you have a plan in place before you even arrive. Make sure everyone has a buddy and stick with them, so no one gets left behind. Don’t drink and drive, of course, and have a plan for getting home, whether that’s a designated driver or a taxi.
And don’t forget that although UP doesn’t condone drinking, staff are there for you if you run into trouble. “If a student runs into a situation and is need of help or is worried about a friend’s safety if they drink too much, they can call an RA or campus safety and they wouldn’t necessarily be put through the conduct process,” says Peña. “We care more about their safety. We don’t want the worry of getting in trouble to get in the way of getting help.”
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