Alcohol Risk Reduction

If you want to make low-risk drinking choices when you go out or to a party, you can:

• Decide beforehand how much you will drink and then make your limit known to a friend or roommate.
• Don't drink on an empty stomach eat something beforehand.
• Space alcohol consumption — alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Always measure your own drinks — don't drink anything that you haven't mixed yourself.
• After you've measured your own drink, never put it down. Someone can put a date rape drug in your drink. These drugs render people unconscious and vulnerable to sexual assault. You may have heard of these date rape drugs — Rohypnol, GHB, Roofies.
• Don't go to or leave parties alone (make a pact with friends to look after each other). Use the "Buddy System." This will work better if you have a “designated nondrinker” who doesn't drink that night.
• If you're thinking of “going home with someone,” go to a place where others are around. For example, bring them to your common room.
• Not everyone drinks alcohol at parties. You can drink soda or juice instead, or not drink anything at all.
• And for those who choose not to drink, there are many parties at Yale that do not serve alcohol, including those at cultural houses. You may be surprised to see how many people attend these events and parties — don't be afraid to plan your own!