NIU health educator Steve Lux emphasized the importance of educating those who choose to drink instead of using scare tactics that he says usually do not work.

“It’s best to be straightforward,” Lux said. “People don’t mind getting info that will keep them from harm.”

The definition of binge drinking is unclear, but Lux says many studies tend to use the definition that drinking four to five drinks in one sitting is considered binge drinking.

“These statistics try to make sure that more people are defined as having a problem,” Lux said. “Where you draw the line is not a number of drinks. It depends on body weight and the factor of time. Ignoring time is a big problem

in these studies.”

Students must be able to realize that alcohol is not a beverage, but rather a drug, Lux says.

Being a drug, alcohol lowers inhibitions toward inappropriate behaviors, and can increase health problems.

“Drugs in small amounts have a significant impact on the body, mind or both,” Lux said. “Be wary of all drugs, not just illegal ones.”

“Anything that causes you or someone else to get hurt is breaking the line,” said Shana Stringfellow,a senior public health major. “It’s OK to party and drink but there is a limit and consequences for bad actions.”

Individuals who have not had a drink prior to college should be aware of what happens when someone drinks too much.

“A problem drinker is someone who drinks frequently and has a negative outcome when they drink; they understand this and continue to drink,” Lux said. “A negative consequence is something that you later regret including; having unprotected sex, being forced to have sex and forgetting where you were or what you did.”

Overall, students need to be safe and be informed.

“For new students being away from home is a new environment. Students are ‘free’ for the first time. This is designed to be a growth experience to help them learn about themselves and responsibility,” said Lux. “Students must be aware and responsible if they choose to experiment. The main goal is to stay in class, stay in school, graduate and be successful.”

“In Spring of ’07, a survey was conducted at NIU. 66.2 percent used alcohol in last 30 days, 52 percent had 4 or fewer drinks last time partied, 70 percent had 6 or fewer drinks last time partied, 805 did not hurt themselves last time they drank, 97 percent of students believe that being drunk frequently is bad,” Lux said.

THE LAW IN DEKALB WHEN IT COMES TO DRINKING

Consumption / Possession as a Minor $220

Fake ID: $200-$300 and your privileges will be suspended up to one year

D.U.I.: $2,500, up to one year in jail, driving suspension or revocation, cancellation of auto insurance.

Open alcohol in public: $200 and up

Selling alcohol without a license (including parties): $300 and up

(Retrieved from Health Enhancement Div. of student affairs)

HEALTHY DRINKER PROFILE

1. Recognize alcohol as a potent drug

2. Know your family history

3. Drink one two drinks daily or less

4. Abstain periodically from alcohol use

5. Identify healthy role models and protective cultural rituals

6. Drink for positive reasons

(Retrieved form Health Enhancement Div. of student affairs)

Resources

Late night ride – (815) 753-2222

Huskie Student Patrol – (815) 753-9679

Health Services – (815) 753-1311

Health Enhancement – (815) 753-9755

Ben Gordon Substance Abuse Program – (815) 756-4815

Kishwaukee Hospital Emergency – (815) 756-1521