If you plan to host or go to a house party, here are some suggestions to keep your good time from "getting busted."
To avoid police intervention at a party, know why they would break one up. If the noise gets too loud or the party too big, with people partying outside, there is likely to be a problem. Insufficient parking with cars on lawns, neighbors' driveways or blocking traffic will alert authorities. Vandalizing property, fighting and viewing the toilet as an optional device for urination or vomiting will get police there quickly.
Before having a party, inform your neighbors, and ask them to call you before calling the police. During the party, have a designated sober person monitor guests, noise and keep alcohol inside. Have food and non-alcoholic drinks available, and make sure to cut off people who drink too much.
It is illegal to have a cover charge, sell cups or charge for entertainment and then provide "free alcohol." Party hosts will be held liable for minors drinking alcohol. Further consequences either as a host or a guest can be fines, loss of a driver's license, jail time, suspension or expulsion from the university or other requirements depending on the violation. After the party, don't let intoxicated people wander off alone or drive. You are liable as a host for what may happen as a result of their intoxicated behavior. Collect cups so nobody leaves with an open container.
Before you go to a house party, eat to minimize the negative effects of swiftly rising blood alcohol concentrations. Make arrangements for a designated driver and determine in advance how much you will drink. Go easy at "pre-gaming" to make the evening last.
While at the party, don't leave your drink unattended, and do count how many drinks you have consumed. If you drink alcohol, pace yourself at one drink per hour to remain at the euphoric stage and resist the temptation to gulp. Euphoria exists between a .05-.08 blood alcohol content, with depressive effects increasing in severity above that level. Understand that shots hit hard in 20 to 30 minutes and that BAC will be at its highest level 30 to 90 minutes later. Take a pass on "pounding one down," such as drinking games, beer bongs and straight liquor shots. Snack to absorb some of the alcohol within your system. Watch out for your friends and leave together. Most sexual assaults are alcohol-related.
Keep in mind that "gone wild" behavior at a party can be captured easily on anyone's cell phone and appear as a video tomorrow on Facebook or the Web -easily viewable by potential employers and law enforcement - forever.
Know also that alcohol impairs brain function for days after a heavy drinking episode and may affect grades, badly.
If someone is passed out or unresponsive or shows other signs of alcohol posioning, call 911 for help immediately.
Have fun this semester. Party well. Be safe.
For confidential help with alcohol or other drug issues, contact the Wellness Center at 536-4441.
Julian-Fralish is the alcohol and other drug coordinator Wellness Center.
