Alcohol Use

Alcohol as a strong intoxicant that can alter your perception and experience depending on how much alcohol or food you’ve consumed, how much you weigh, your genetics, medication, etc. It takes approximately 10 minutes to feel the affects of each serving of alcohol, meaning that each person needs to take time be aware of and understand their body’s reaction. The only person in charge of an individual’s body and decisions should be themself. Don’t allow other people to guide or influence how much you consume.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, or would like more information, there are on-campus resources that can help. Connect with the Counseling Center, Northern Light Primary Care, or SWell to learn more.

Standard Drink Size

The amount of liquid in the cup does not indicate how much alcohol is present. You can’t go by just how much liquid is in the container: a standard class of beer contains a relatively low amount of alcohol compared to a shot glass of liquor, which has a much higher concentration. This is referred to as Alcohol by Volume (AbV). The higher the AbV, the lower the amount of liquid in the serving size.

Chart on a white background showing six standard alcohol servings illustrating alcohol by volume (AbV). Number one is a light beer at 14 ounces and 4.2% AbV. Number two is a regular beer at 12 ounces and 5.0% AbV. Number three is a craft beer at 9 ounces and 6.7% AbV. Number four is a glass of white wine at 5 ounces and 12% AbV. Number five is a glass of red wine at 4 ounces and 15% AbV. Number six is a serving of liquor in a shot glass, highball glass, or seltzer at 1.5 ounces and at least 40% AbV.

Know what’s in your BORG

Borgs can be used to monitor alcohol consumption if done correctly, can become very dangerous very quickly. Using these tips can reduce the negative impacts of BORGs since you have control of the amount of alcohol, if you put any in at all. Plan for your limit, and don’t cross the line. 

If you plan on making a BORG, know the risk and drink responsibly!

  1. Pre-measure your alcohol with a shot glass
  2. Add more water than you think you need, and dilute while drinking
  3. Don’t throw the water out; you will need it later.
  4. Spread out your drinks and use time markers on the side to pace yourself
  5. Your body needs an hour to process each standard drink (1.5 ounces of liquor)
  6. Have a plan for getting home safely. Look out for your friends and peers

Remember, you don’t need to finish the whole thing! 

White background with a container and word bubbles with the text: "Know what's in your BORG Borgs can be used to monitor alcohol consumption if done correctly, but if not they can become very dangerous very quickly. Using these tips can reduce the negative impacts of BORGS. You have control of the amount of alcohol, if you put any in at all. Plan for your limit, and don’t cross the line.  If you plan on making a BORG, know the risk and drink responsibly! Pre-measure your alcohol Add more water than you think you need, and dilute while drinking Don’t dump the water out; save it for the next day Spread out your drinks and use time markers on the side to pace yourself Your body needs an hour to process one standard drink (1.5 ounces of liquor) Have a plan for getting home safely. Look out for your friends and peers Remember, you don’t need to finish the whole thing!"

Possible Effects of Alcohol

Short Term

-Impaired Speech, Decision-making, Judgement, Inhibitions, etc.

-Increased Heart Rate

-Impaired Coordination and Ability to Operate Machinery

-Risky Behaviors Increase

-Increased Aggression

-Coma or Death

-Pregnancy

Long-Term

-High Blood Pressure

-Cancer

-Early Onset Liver Disease (age 25-34)

-Weakened Immune System

-Learning/Memory Issues

-Mental Health problems (depression, anxiety, or psychosis)

-Social Problems (loss of job or family issues)

-Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

-Sexual Dysfunction

-Weight Fluctuation