College is the first time you’re away from your family and with that comes freedom and the ability to go out to parties if you’d like. A majority of the time, there’s alcohol there. I know it can seem like you need to drink to fit in. But you don’t need to be drunk or even buzzed to belong. There are actually a bunch of benefits to being the sober one at a party!
1. You easily notice if there’s something wrong
In college, bad things can happen, unfortunately. These bad things can include being taken advantage of in your intoxicated state. If you’re sober, you can be the one to step in and intervene before it gets out of hand. We need to look out for each other and you can be the one that saves someone from being sexually assaulted.
2. Being the first to step into action
Things can get out of hand at parties! You might need to leave in a rush to avoid getting caught in the crossfires. Alcohol can cloud judgement and cause even more confusion and anxiety. However, if you’re sober, you can be the one to round up your friends and take action right away.
3. Stopping friends from drinking too much
My friends can get a little wild and irrational about their alcohol consumption. They think they can handle it and continue to drink even when they’re past the point of walking straight and start acting a little incoherent. Before they wake up with regrets and a terrible hangover, you can be the one to stop it before it gets that far!
4. Making sure everyone gets home safely
Over the weekend, I literally had 2 guys in a car stop and follow me and my friend, trying to talk to us. I was sober, so I was able to realize something was not okay about this and grab her and walk faster, aware of where the car was and the blue (emergency) lights closest to us. There is safety in numbers. There is also safety in sobriety.
5. People look to you to recall memories from the night before
This is a given. Some people (when drunk enough) cannot remember what happened the night before. When they ask the question: “Dude, what happened last night?” you’re able to be the one to give a play by play and laugh at their reactions!
6. NOT suffering from a hangover the morning after
Need I say more? There’s something satisfying about getting up and being productive while all your friends are groaning in pain and feeling ill.
And there you have it! Being sober isn’t a bad thing, especially in college. You’ll feel better about it, friends will thank you for watching out for them, and you can laugh at all the shenanigans that people get into while being drunk!