We all do “bad” things, especially in college. Most people don’t wait until they’re twenty one to have a drink and now it’s becoming more of a norm than an unheard of anomaly to engage in sex before marriage. People are consuming drugs and alcohol that aren’t necessarily legal and having multiple sexual partners isn’t taboo. With all of these things being said, we need to keep in mind the consequences and risks of participating in these actions. A lot of us are guilty and I am not denying it or even frowning upon it, but I am saying that safety should always come first. As young adults, there are many risk factors associated with taking part in underage drinking, sexual contact and even just walking home alone at night. I’m here to remind you of how important it is to be aware, to be in tune with your surroundings and to consider how you will act in certain situations.
If you are going to drink underage (or at all), here are some tips that you should be following.
1. Use the buddy system.
If you are going to go out drinking, make sure you have at least one other friend with you at all times. Also, make sure your group has at least three people in it so that if one of you guys decides to go off in search for a future “soul mate” you won’t be stuck by yourself. Whether you are going to the bar, waiting in line for the restroom or just on the floor dancing, it is super important to have someone by your side.
2. Make sure you are handling your drinks with caution.
Know your limit and when it’s time for you to go home: alone. If you aren’t keeping track of how many drinks you are going to have or have had, ask for a water every now and then to re-hydrate so that a fun night out doesn’t end up as a night in the hospital or one where your lunch from that afternoon is re-entering the atmosphere again (if you know what I mean).
3. Watch where you put your drinks.
You shouldn’t be putting your drinks down anywhere without keeping an eye on them because date rape culture is a real thing and normal, charismatic people are just as likely to be predators than 40 year old pedofiles. Just keep an eye out for anything or anyone that looks suspicious and make sure your friends are doing the same. Also, it is important to not accept a drink from someone unless you’ve seen the bartender make it in front of you or you know the person on a pretty personal level.
4. Do not engage in something you know you wouldn’t when sober.
Don’t make plans to meet up with someone while drunk unless you know for sure you would make that same choice at 3pm in the afternoon with no alcohol in your system. A lot of regretful decisions are made when intoxicated and it is better to make a plan before you go out as to what you are going to do when you get back than to make that decision when your inhibitions are at an all time low.
5. Have a ride home.
NEVER drive drunk. There is no excuse with Uber, Lyft and the many taxi services now offered that are only a phone call or technological app away. If you aren’t willing to pay the $6 for a taxi ride back home make sure you have a designated driver on deck or at least a friend that would be willing to come pick you up. Even walking home with your friends if the bar isn’t too far away from where you live is better than trying to guess if you are sober enough to drive back. However, whatever mode of transportation you choose to take, make sure you are letting someone know when you are leaving and when you are home safe.
6. Be aware of your surroundings.
If you make the choice to engage in underage drinking, you need to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. If there is something suspicious or a raid from the local police, make sure to put your drinks away and act as if you are sober. Obviously, the best choice would be to not drink underage, but we all know that isn’t extremely applicable to modern society.
Other than drinking, other substances such as cannabis are widely used by teenagers and young adults throughout their collegiate experience and due to its status of being illegal, extreme caution must be taken if the choice is made to partake of these substances and “drugs”. Similar to drinking, the same steps should be taken. Make sure you are in a safe place with friends that you are comfortable around. Have a contact person who is willing to pick you up or take you where you need to go if you are too intoxicated.
Besides drugs and alcohol, sex out of wedlock is something that is becoming less and less of a myth and more of a reality. If you are hooking up with one or multiple people, there are tips to staying safe and being as informed as you can be.
1. Practice safe sex.
As cliche as it sounds and as many times as you have heard it, safe sex is extremely important. Condoms are so easily available and accessible, especially on college campuses and there shouldn’t be an excuse to not use them. It’s worth using when you are at risk for contracting an STD or STI. You will thank yourself later on.
2. Get to know your partners.
Before you are participating in the most vulnerable act there is out there, make sure to get to know your partner. Asking for records and papers confirming being clean is not a nuisance and should be the norm if you’re having sex with someone that has had previous partners.
3. Contraception doesn’t mean free reign.
Just because a female is taking birth control doesn’t mean that other protection isn’t necessary or that it is free reign to do whatever is desired and wherever. Birth control is simply another form of protection but it is not absolute.
4. Be picky.
Not everyone deserves your attention and most definitely not your body. Having high standards and expectations when it comes to who gets to see you in your most vulnerable state is never a bad thing. If someone doesn’t want to hear how your day is going, they don’t deserve to sleep over.
5. Get tested.
Everytime you have a new partner or if you have consistently engaged in sexual relations with someone over a period of time: it is time to get tested. Being smart and prepared for any situation is necessary in this day and age. Trusting someone’s word isn’t the be all end all now because people do lie and can be deceitful.
Besides the obvious issues of sex and alcohol, simply remembering to be safe and aware is extremely important as well. Getting your keys out before you are at your door, not walking home in the dark, taking part in the buddy system, locking your doors and always having a plan are simple tasks and only take a moment. Doing all of these tips will provide you with a better and safer future and when and if you decide to do these not so taboo things, you will be prepared and comfortable knowing that you will hopefully be just fine.