Partying Responsibly

Drinking among college students is an issue at many universities in the United States. Most university administrators would prefer that students abstain from alcohol use entirely, but the reality is that most college students have tried alcohol at one time or another. (Kansas law states that it is illegal for anyone under 21 years of age to possess or purchase alcoholic beverages.)

Although national surveys have shown that most students drink alcohol during their college life, these surveys also show that most college students drink responsibly. In a 1999 survey given to 1,600 KU students, 66 percent reported drinking moderately or not at all (0 to 5 drinks over a five-hour period) when they party.

If it is your personal choice to drink, make a commitment to do so responsibly.

Responsible drinkers:

• Recognize alcohol as a potentially potent drug.
• Eat food before and while they drink.
• Pace their drinking to no more than one drink an hour.
• Designate a driver or use SafeRide services (864-SAFE).
• Do not engage in drinking games.
• Know their family history and are aware of being at risk for becoming heavy drinkers. (Most children of alcoholics do not develop problems with alcohol; however, children of alcoholics are twice as likely to develop a problem with alcohol than children of nonalcoholic parents.)
• Abstain periodically to maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol by avoiding tolerance to an addictive drug.
• Alternate alcohol with other beverages (water and juices) while they drink.

Many students choose to abstain from using alcohol. Whether for one week, a month, or forever, abstinence can be a healthy personal choice.

Healthy abstainers:

• Respect the choice made by their peers who drink responsibly.
• Own their abstinence by choosing not to drink.
• Have a repertoire of effective responses to minimize pressure to drink.
• Recognize alcohol as a potentially potent drug.
• Abstain for positive reasons.

If you are sure of your decision not to drink, support it by:

• Being around friends who support your decision.
• Attending activities where alcohol is not available.
• Going to a party, but bringing your own beverages.

Fake IDs are costly

The drinking age in Kansas is 21, but bar owners and students admit that the use of false indentification to purchase alcohol is rampant in Lawrence.

The City-University Joint Task Force on Alcohol, which includes Lawrence leaders, KU faculty and student representatives, and bar owners, is using a poster campaign to remind under-age drinkers of the possible consequences of using fake IDs.

The task force reminds students that

• Carrying a fake ID is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500.
• Making fake IDs is a felony and carries a more severe penalty.
• Employers often use extensive background checks to uncover legal records of potential employees.

The Lawrence/Douglas County Crime Stoppers tip line offers a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of a suspect.