Alcohol
We ask for help. We take care of ourselves and others.
What are some resources available on campus for alcohol and other drug use/misuse?
At UC, there are various resources for students who are in recovery or recovery curious. The Bearcats Recovery Community is a program designed to support UC students in or seeking recovery from alcohol, drugs, and other addictions. The BRC and its programs allow students to have an authentic college experience at UC while maintaining their recovery. At University Health Services they can provide alcohol and drug screening assessments to help identify the next steps in your recovery process. The Student Wellness Center offers Late Night Programs on various Friday evenings to encourage building community without the use of alcohol or other drugs.
- Bearcats Recovery Community
- University Health Services
- Late Night Programs
What can I do to take care of myself and other Bearcats?
There are a lot of different ways that Bearcats can take care of themselves when using alcohol or other substances. Using low risk drinking strategies such as tracking the number of drinks you have, mixing your own drinks, and eating before and during drinking can all help lessen the effects of alcohol. When it comes to helping yourself and others, make sure you stay with the same friends you came with and always plan to have a designated driver so you always have a safe ride home. If you notice someone needs medical assistance, always call for help. The Medical Amnesty Policy encourages students to seek help when someone needs immediate medical assistance.
By mixing your own drinks, you will know exactly how much alcohol you are consuming in each drink. Do not consume a drink prepared by someone else.
You can also alternate alcoholic drinks with nonalcoholic drinks. Limit or avoid drinking games that encourage fast consumption of alcohol.
By setting a limit in advance, you start the night with a plan to make safer choices before you go out. Know the standard size of one drink of alcohol:
- Beer: 12 oz. (5% alcohol)
- Wine: 5 oz. (12% alcohol) - a standard 750ml wine bottle is approximately 5 drinks
- Liquor: 1 oz. (40% alcohol)
You can also set a spending limit in advance and take that much cash with you. When you're out of money, you are at your limit.
Leave with the friends you went out with. And, make sure you don't leave anyone behind.
If someone is unresponsive, it's time to seek help. Know the signs of alcohol poisoning. You can use the acronym C.U.P.S. to remember:
- Cold or clammy skin
- Unresponsive and unconscious
- Puking and slurring speech
- Slow breathing
If you think someone has alcohol poisoning, stay with them. Check on them regularly. Call 911 for an emergency or 513-556-1111 for a non-emergency.
Remember that UC has an amnesty policy, which encourages you to seek help for someone in need of medical attention. Students who qualify under the policy may not receive conduct code violations.
Make sure you are with a trusted group of friends and someone is identified as the designated driver (DD). Also, have someone identified who can assist in an emergency.