Study Abroad? Alcohol is involved!

Did you know an estimated 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries each year? According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than 80 percent of college students drink alcohol. The Institute reports an estimated 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape each year. An estimated 599,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are unintentionally injured each year under the influence of alcohol.

GRO-UP: Safety is NOT an Accident!

Alcohol has also been a factor in many tragic deaths occurring in study abroad programs within the past few years. We at ClearCause have come up with GRO-UP, a model to help you stay safe as you travel the world! Drink responsibly as you study abroad - safety is NOT an accident!

• Travel in groups! Never go out to drink alone. Remember, there is safety in numbers.

• Designate one or two sober friends to safeguard three of you as you go out. These friends can stay alert and aware of your situation and surroundings at all times to keep you away from any potentially dangerous situations.

• Do not leave intoxicated friends alone in a bar, on the street, or in a dorm room. Make sure your group sticks together!

• Guard your drinks and food. Be smart about this - don’t leave your drink unguarded as you go to the bathroom or hit the dance floor. Someone could easily slip something into your drink to harm you. If the bartender is handing you a drink, get it directly from them and don’t let it get passed down the line. Guard your drink to guard yourself.

• Don’t ever take a drink from someone you don’t know. StaySafe!

Alcohol Poisoning Can Kill

Alcohol poisoning is a serious and sometimes deadly consequence of  drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning may include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute), irregular breathing, blue-tinged or pale skin, low body temperature or passing out. Read more about alcohol poisoning and prevention on the Mayo Clinic’s website.

What if you suspect either you or a friend has alcohol poisoning?

• Call 911 immediately! Be prepared to tell the hospital the kind and amount of alcohol the person drank and don’t leave an unconscious person alone.
• As you wait for help, you can assist a person who is vomiting by trying to keep him or her sitting up. If they must lie down, make sure their head is turned to the side to prevent choking on vomit. Try to keep the person awake.