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Five Alcohol Safety Tips

September 2, 2022

For many college students heading back to school means new roommates, classes, fall sports, all-nighters, hanging out with friends, and parties. While most of these activities might seem harmless, fun, and even expected of a college student, excessive alcohol use can pose many safety risks, especially for women.

 

We know you're excited to see your friends, blow off some steam and have a good time. But we also know that going out without a plan can turn what was meant to be a fun evening into a nightmare. 

 

Did you know that…

  • At least 50% of student sexual assaults involve alcohol.
  • Approximately 90% of rapes perpetrated by an acquaintance involve alcohol.
  • About 43% of sexual assault events involve alcohol use by the victim; 69% involve alcohol use by the perpetrator. 1

 

At Collage, we care about you and want to provide you with helpful information about alcohol consumption and its risks to your sexual and emotional health. So, here are five safety tips that can help keep you and your friends out of risky situations that involve alcohol and sex.

 

1. Avoid Excessive Alcohol.

Low-risk drinking is thinking about your limit before getting to the party. Limiting alcoholic beverages to one drink per hour is recommended, a maximum of three for gals and four for guys for the entire evening. Alternating drinking with food and water is also a good option. 

 

High-risk drinking can lead to excessive alcohol consumption. Common high-risk drinking activities are drinking games, chugging, doing shots, and mixing drinks with drugs or energy drinks. 2

 

2. Have a Group.

Ever heard of the old saying, 'there's safety in numbers?' Going to a party with a group of friends to act as lookouts for each other is a great idea! A way to keep safe within your group is to have a code word that will help tip off your friends if you feel like you are in an unsafe situation. Then, if anyone says or texts the code word, try to help get that friend out of the problem.

 

3. Choose Safe Areas.

The safest option at a party is to stay with your group at all times. Avoid isolation or putting yourself in situations where you can't be heard or seen. If you do need to leave your group, take a friend with you and make sure that you communicate with your group about where you're going and when you think you'll be back.


4. Be Protective of your Drink.

If you choose to drink at a party, keep it with you at all times. Never allow someone to refill your glass or get you a new drink. It's too easy to have something slipped into your drink when you're not looking. 56% of women and 44% of men said they've unknowingly had their drinks spiked. Out of this surveyed group, 52% said they had their first drink spiked during college. 3


If you did leave your drink unattended or accepted a drink from somebody else, pay attention to your body for the effects of a possible spike. Some signs of having your drink mixed with a drug can include extreme drowsiness, compromised cognitive/physical abilities, nausea, difficulty concentrating, and blurred vision.


5. Trust Your Instincts.

If you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or worried for any reason while on a date or at a party, don't ignore those feelings. Get somewhere safe and find someone you trust. Sometimes acting on intuition can feel awkward, embarrassing, and even stupid. Never let those feelings stop you from seeking safety. You and your safety are more important than anyone's embarrassment or inconvenience. 

If you need help…

If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been sexually assaulted, contact Campus Police or the Local Police immediately. 

 


If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, Family Advocacy Network is a great resource in Kearney as is Willow Rising in Grand Island. If you think you may be pregnant and you want someone to talk to, please contact us. We want to be there for you.

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Following the 2024 election, many people have questions about Nebraska's abortion laws and whether the state has enacted a complete ban. Abortion is not entirely banned in Nebraska. A proposed measure to add abortion to the state constitution failed during the 2024 election, while a separate measure that enshrined the current 12-week ban passed. What is the Law? The state currently allows abortion up to 12 weeks but with specific exceptions for certain circumstances. These exceptions include: Cases of rape or incest. Medical emergencies where the life of the mother is at risk or where continuing the pregnancy would result in irreversible physical harm. The legislation aims to balance restrictions with considerations for the health and safety of women under exceptional circumstances. What Does This Mean for Women in Nebraska? For women facing an unexpected pregnancy, Nebraska’s current abortion laws mean you have to be aware of the status of your pregnancy, especially for those who may not meet the legal exceptions. It’s important to seek timely medical confirmation of your pregnancy to understand your options. If you are unsure about how far along you are or have concerns about your pregnancy, seeking an ultrasound and professional advice can help clarify your situation and determine your next steps. Looking for Pregnancy Support? If you’re navigating an unexpected pregnancy and need support, Collage is here to help. We offer no-cost pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and information on your options in a compassionate and confidential environment. Our team is dedicated to empowering women by providing accurate information and resources tailored to your needs. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you medical-based details on this option and others. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact Collage today to schedule your appointment and get the support you need during this time. * All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

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