As was once so perfectly articulated: “It’s the freakin’ weekend baby, I’m about to have me some fun.”
It doesn’t matter what night of the week your “weekend” begins, it seems that “weekend” at the University has become synonymous with getting tipsy. This is the norm, and, generally, alright-a weekend drink or two may be well-deserved.
The collegiate culture of drinking need be addressed on occasion. College drinking is something we sometimes too easily pass off as an accepted usual.
Next week is Alcohol Awareness week, a time organized for SLU students to step back and assess their drinking habits as well as those of their friends-a perfect opportunity for this discussion.
Why is college drinking so normal and widespread anyway? There is something about a new life away from home, that escape from parental rule and regulation-and maybe, it seems, all rules-when freedom comes completely uncorked. We have time in college to drink. We’re social. We’re fun-loving. We’re a little stressed.
Collegiate drinking has become worse in recent years. Students are being taken to the hospital for alcohol poisoning with a greater frequency than ever, even here at SLU. And so, as drinking has become so accepted, we must take care to make sure that irresponsible drinking is not.
SLU deserves credit for Alcohol Awareness week, and the events that are planned in correlation to help educate students about the perils of irresponsible imbibing. The best-selling author of Smashed, Koren Zailckas, can perhaps provide students with a compelling story of the depths into which alcohol can drop. Zailckas speaks Wednesday night at 7 p.m. and is not much older than us-and is perhaps, then, relatable.
Students, at SLU and elsewhere must accept responsibility for their actions. The University will hold educational programs and speakers, but these cannot improve student drinking habits, only awareness. Students need be held accountable.
Students should never reach the point of intoxication where they are unable to control their actions and are dependent on their peers. Most of us have seen or experienced enough to understand why.
Do not become the girl who cannot find her way back to her room and passes out in the laundry room. Do not be the guy who becomes uncontrollably vulgar and belligerent, the guy who people avoid at parties. Do not find yourself unable to remember, act or be yourself.
Take care of yourself. And watch out for your friends too, as you hope that they watch out for you. Be responsible and put the number of a cab company or SLU Ride in your cell phone (977-RIDE).
Especially to those who are not of age to legally drink alcohol: Just because you are breaking the legal standard for consumption does not mean it is acceptable to ignore the social standards for safe and responsible drinking. It is your responsibility to know your limitations. Just because you want to have a drink does not mean that you have to drink yourself to oblivion.
In any case, enjoy yourself. Drinking to stupidity is not enjoyable, though a glass of wine or two may be. Let your week end well, even if that end is Wednesday night.
