Alcohol

Most MU students drink responsibly and in moderation. Students who drink in moderation are at low risk for developing problems related to their drinking. However, all drinkers, including low-risk drinkers, should be aware of the health risks and other potential problems associated with alcohol consumption.

The DATA Walk-In Clinic at the Student Health Center is a gateway for students interested in exploring their concerns about alcohol, tobacco or drugs. Students can "walk-in and talk" with a psychologist (alcohol or drugs) or health educator (tobacco) and, if interested, be linked with appropriate resources at the Student Health Center, on campus, or in the community. Students do not need nor can they schedule appointments ahead of time for this clinic. Mental Health Area, Tuesdays, 2-4pm. Students who are not free at this time can schedule an appointment for tobacco cessation or alcohol services by calling 882-7481.

Responsible Drinking Information:
BAC Chart for Women
BAC Chart for Men

• Alcohol-related injuries or death
• Unplanned pregnancy
• Contracting sexually transmissible infections including HIV
• Problems with the law
• Acquaintance rape
• Academic failure

• Limit your alcohol intake to one drink per hour. This is what your liver can metabolize.
• Eat or drink other beverages before or while you drink alcohol.
• Know what is in your drink. Watch your drink being prepared and never leave your drink unattended. There is a risk of drugs being slipped into your drink, and these drugs can leave you incapacitated.
• Arrange a "buddy system" with a friend, and watch out for one another.
• Plan a safe ride home before you drink. Use the CHEERS to the Designated Driver Program.
• Never put yourself in a situation that you would not want to get into when sober.
• If violence erupts....leave.
• Know the state, city and campus laws. The legal drinking age is 21. Anyone under 21 caught with alcohol could lose his/her license for up to one year. The city of Columbia has an open container law, so you cannot walk on public streets with an open container of alcohol.

Does this sound like you?
You may choose not to drink for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Religion or personal values
• Friends don't use alcohol
• Interactions with medications
• Previous negative experience
• Family history of alcohol abuse
• Designated driver
• If you can relate, you are an abstainer.

• Alcohol is a part of an activity, such as a celebration, meal or special event, but it is not the main focus of the activity.
• You respect others' rights and do not force or coerce others into drinking more than they want to or into excess.
• If you can relate, you are a social drinker.

• You regularly turn papers in late or perform poorly on a test due to consumption of alcohol.
• You use alcohol as a medicine to help you cope with stress or your emotions.
• Drinking is more important than being with family or friends.
• You drink to become drunk as quickly as possible.
• You have had legal or academic problems related to alcohol.
• You find yourself trying to cut back on your alcohol use.
• Other people are annoyed with your drinking.
• You want to drink often and find yourself hiding your drinking.
• You feel guilty about things that happen when you drink.
• You drink and drive.
• You experience blackout (total memory loss for a period of time)
• If you can relate to any of these behaviors, alcohol is a problem.

There is help!

Other Resources:
MU Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team - ADAPT (573) 882-4634
Project CHEERS
http://www.factsontap.org/