For More Information:
Matt Vogel
Community Health Specialist
608-785-8977 (Ph)
vogel.matt@uwlax.edu
STUDENTS
Choices About Drinking . . .
College is a time for making choices. Almost all students will be faced with choices about alcohol use. The more information you have about alcohol, the easier it will be to make a choice.
Just What is a Drink (Standard Drink)? / High Risk vs. Low Risk Drinking
Alcohol Poisoning / When is it just drinking or a problem? / Resources
What is a “drink”?
Many people are aware of how many drinks they have on a given occasion, but this does not necessarily mean they are aware of how much alcohol they have consumed. To know exactly how much you are drinking, you must first understand what “a drink” is.
Standard Drink:
The term “standard drink” is used to define one drink. It contains about one-half oz. absolute alcohol.
A standard drink contains about one-half oz. of alcohol:
- 12 oz. domestic beer
- 10 oz. microbrew beer
- 10 oz. wine cooler
- 4 – 5 oz. wine
- 1.5 oz. large shot (80 proof)
How is the “Blood Alcohol Level” Calculated?
The blood alcohol level is calculated by Blood Alcohol Calculator (BAC), which measures the ratio of alcohol to blood. This is usually expressed in milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.
Blood-Alcohol Content Calculator
A person's blood-alcohol level is the result of a complex interaction of weight, gender, alcohol consumed, and time.
Low Risk vs. High Risk Drinking
Low Risk drinking is: |
High Risk drinking is: |
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Alcohol Poisoning:
Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing and the gag reflex (which prevents choking). A fatal dose of alcohol will eventually stop these functions.
It is common for someone who drank excessive alcohol to vomit since alcohol is an irritant to the stomach. There is then the danger of choking on vomit, which could cause death by asphyxiation in a person who is not conscious because of intoxication.
You should also know that a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can continue to rise even while he or she is passed out. Alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. It is dangerous to assume the person will be fine by sleeping it off.
Danger Signs for Alcohol Poisoning
- Mental confusion, stupor, coma, or person cannot be roused.
- Vomiting.
- Seizures.
- Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute).
- Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths).
- Hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, paleness.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning?
- Know the danger signals.
- Do not wait for all symptoms to be present.
- Be aware that a person who has passed out may die.
- If there is any suspicion of an alcohol overdose, call 911 for help. Don't try to guess the level of drunkenness.
- Turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking in case of vomiting.
Don't be afraid to seek medical help for a friend who has had too much to drink. Remember, you cared enough to help. Always be safe, not sorry.
When is it just drinking or a problem?
How will I know if my own drinking, or a friends drinking is really “problem drinking?”
Signs of a Drinking Problem: A person may exhibit several of these signs:
- Drinking to get drunk
- Loss of control (inability to quit or cut back)
- Increased consumption with increased tolerance for alcohol
- Blackouts/ memory loss/ passing out
- Drinking becomes primary activity
- Failing to fulfill responsibilities: school, work and relationships.
- Increased consequences associated with drinking: legal problems, fights, relationship problems, hall write-ups, missing classes
- Personality changes: a “Jekyll and Hyde” effect
- Secretive drinking
If you or someone you know exhibits some of these behaviors, it may indicate a problem with alcohol.
Resources:
If you are concerned about your own or a friend’s alcohol use, UW-L has many resources available to help with an alcohol problem:
ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES:
Counseling and Testing Center: (608) 785-8073
Student Health Center: (608) 785-8558
Office of Student Life: (608) 785-8062
Office of Residence Life: (608) 785-8075
Protective Services: (608) 789-9000
Protective Services (emergency): (608) 789-9999
MyStudentBody.com: http://www.uwlax.edu/MSB
OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES:
First Call for Help: Dial 211
Coulee Council on Addictions: (608) 784-4177
Gunderson-Lutheran Medical Center: (608) 785-0530
Franciscan Skemp Healthcare: (608) 785-0940