Binge drinking has always been a dangerous yet reoccurring phenomenon in social settings throughout various college campuses. However, now that the temperature outside has dramatically dropped, it is important to note how the threatening risks of binge drinking behavior become increasingly detrimental and deadly in the midst of these winter months. According to practicalrecovery.com, people are more likely to binge drink in the winter months because of holiday stress, inclement weather, and the plethora of alcohol-filled parties. When it is too cold to go outside and it is dark and dreary and the thought of doing something productive is nauseating, many people, especially college students, resort to drinking, and drinking a lot. The following are tips to keep in mind to keep both you and your friends safe as we wait for warmer weather once again.
- Wear a coat. As simple as this rule sounds, it may be blown aside in the name of fashion. Both men and women might risk a few minutes in the cold in order to preserve their appearance. However, besides the obvious impact of catching a cold, people without coats in freezing temperatures are more likely to run to their destination. Running in the dark after a few drinks is risky in and of itself, but adding ice and snow to the equation suddenly makes the situation much more serious. So, do yourself, and your potential broken bones, a favor and wear a jacket.
- Travel in packs. Going out with a group of people is much more safe in the winter. Besides the obvious fact that traveling in a pack is warmer than traveling solo, your presence will be accounted for. It might be somewhat laughable when your buddy passes out on his hammock on a summer night after an evening of heavy drinking, but passing out in the snow isn’t funny with the impending frostbites and hypothermia. Take care of your friends and do a headcount before and after you leave for the party.
- Take vitamin D supplements. Many people feel sad or depressed in the absence of bright and sunny days during the winter months. College students are more likely to binge drink and put themselves at risk when they aren’t in a mentally happy or healthy place. Fight the winter blues by taking vitamin D supplements to prevent winter time sadness and ultimately to prevent you from overdoing it at the keg on Friday night.
- Don’t drink. A huge reason why so many college kids binge drink is because of depressive feelings or social anxiety. If your depression is rooted deeper than the winter weather and going out with groups of people doesn’t ease your anxiety, don’t drink. It is easier to take drinking too far in this unhealthy state of mind and it is not worth the risk in the horrible winter weather. Instead, find hobbies you love, people who support you, and places at things that will fill your bucket in ways alcohol won’t.