Safe Drinking Practices
- Remember Drinking under the age of 21 in the U.S. is illegal.
- Choose safe and familiar settings in which to drink
- Drink with people you know and trust
- Use a designated driver
- Set a limit and stick to it (count your drinks)
- Learn how to say, "NO THANKS" and "NO MORE"
- Avoid drinking games
- Eat before and while drinking
- Alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks
- Avoid drinking while taking medications, whether prescribed to you or not
- Mix your own drinks or know exactly what's in them
- Pace drinks to one or fewer per hour
- Avoid mixing alcohol and energy/caffeine drinks
- Recognize if someone has drunk too much, Remember MUST HELP:
M: Mental Confusion
U: Unresponsive
S: Snoring/Gasping for Air
T: Throwing Up
H: Hypothermia
E: Erratic Breathing
L: Loss pf Consciousness
P: Paleness/Blueness of Skin
Suspected substance abuse:
If the person is CONSCIOUS and RESPONSIVE
- DO check on them often
- DO Speak to them calmly and firmly
- DO let them lay on their side
- If they are in the sun, move them to the shade. If cold, move them to a warm place and offer a blanket
- DO NOT lay them on their back
- DO NOT give them food, drinks, or medication of any kind
- DO NOT ridicule, judge, threaten or try to counsel them.
If the person is UNCONSCIOUS AND UNRESPONSIVE
- DO call 911 and wait for emergency personnel to arrive
- DON’T leave them alone at any time and be prepared to administer CPR
- DO gently turn them onto their side and into the Bacchus Maneuver
UTEP Resources:
UTEP Collegiate Recovery Program: The University of Texas at El Paso Collegiate Recovery Program (UTEP CRP) is dedicated to maintaining a supportive community for students in recovery and in hope of recovery from substance and behavior addictions. We strive to improve understanding to reduce stigma associated with addiction and recovery in order to ensure access to a well-rounded college experience. Our program emphasizes establishing an inclusive environment for students at any stage of recovery or as allies to foster opportunities for excellence personally and academically.
UT System & UTEP Policy:
The University of Texas at El Paso enforces all state and federal laws or regulations which regulate and control the sale or use of alcohol on campus, including those pertaining to the possession of alcohol by minors. University regulations prohibit the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages on University property without prior written authorization by appropriate administrative officials and are strictly enforced. Customers of legal age under State law may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in areas on the campus specifically designated for the public sale and consumption of beer and wine, and residents of University Housing are authorized to possess and consume beer and wine in the privacy of their living quarters, if they are of legal age under State law. Students in violation of these policies will be subject to University discipline in addition to possible criminal prosecution by civil authorities.
Community Based Resources:
Aliviane is the community’s primary provider of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services in West Texas for men, women, and adolescents.
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Circle of Healing: The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Division (Circle of Healing) promotes culturally responsive trauma-informed prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation opportunities for children, youth, and adults, all while highly encouraging a drug free community.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.