For Your Safety, as Well as for the Safety of Others:
It's simple: Do not abuse alcohol, drugs or prescription medications. Doing so is a violation of the Rhodes Social Regulation Code, whether you are home or abroad.
We care about you, and offer these ideas for your consideration:
- Avoid consuming large quantities of alcohol in public, particularly with people you do not know well, in cafes, bars, or parties. Be careful and constantly aware in public places where alcohol might be consumed, and remember you are in another country with different social customs. Until you are familiar with these customs, you should err on the cautious side.
- If you consume alcohol, please remember that your ability to make sound judgments is impaired, and therefore you may be putting yourself in danger of either committing a crime or being the victim of a crime.
- Many drugs are available in other countries over-the-counter that would not normally be available in the U.S. Be certain when purchasing medication that you know the ingredients and understand their effects, especially if you are taking other medications.
- Do not consume alcohol while taking any medication.
- Many countries have laws regarding alcohol and other drug use that are more severe than laws in the United States. In some countries, those caught with illegal drugs can be subject to death.
- Certain types of alcoholic beverages may be stronger than what you are used to in the United States.
- You are representing yourself but also your program, the U.S., and Rhodes College. Your actions will reflect either positively or negatively on many people.
Consequences of Drinking Too Much
Accidents and Injuries: Accidents and injuries are common among those who consume too much alcohol. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, perception, and concentration. Impairment of these skills can result in a range of accidents, including falling down a flight of stairs or tripping on the sidewalk. The injuries resulting from such accidents can be minor or they can be severe.
Alcohol Poisoning: Alcohol can poison you. The effects of alcohol poisoning can range from vomiting to falling into a coma and subsequent death (alcohol poisoning can cause vital organs to slow down or stop, resulting in death). Very often someone who dies from alcohol poisoning passes out and is allowed to “sleep it off.” This is a mistake. Anyone who drinks so much that they become unconscious should receive immediate attention.
Unprotected Sex and Sexual Assault: Alcohol use can result in a number of sexual consequences, including unprotected sex and sexual assault. Most sexual assaults involve the use of alcohol on the part of the perpetrator or the victim. Alcohol misuse can result in impaired judgment, which can put you at risk for either committing a sexual assault or becoming the victim of a sexual assault.
Alcohol 101
Why should I eat before and during drinking? Food slows down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream and gives your body more time to metabolize the alcohol and get it out of your system. Foods that are high in protein or high in fat are especially effective. Beverages, such as water or anything carbonated, will result in increased absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.
Do all drinks contain the same amount of alcohol? Some drinks are stronger than others, but in general a 1 ounce shot, a 12 ounce domestic beer, a 12 ounce wine cooler, a properly mixed drink, or a 4 ounce glass of wine all contain about .05 ounces of alcohol. Some mixed drinks and some types of beer (imported, ice, malt liquor) contain more than .05 ounces of alcohol.
How long does it take for the liver to process the alcohol contained in one drink? It takes the liver about an hour to metabolize the amount of alcohol contained in a standard drink (.05 ounces of alcohol). Drinking coffee or taking a cold shower will not speed up the process. Only time can make a person sober.