First Year Student Messages 

from Rutgers University Health Services

Stress | Nutrition | Alcohol | Insurance

Alcohol

As Student Health Advocates of the Department of Health Education, we are concerned about your continued good health. For many of you, this is your first time away from home. You may be in new situations and have to make decisions that you were never faced with before. Although it is not legal until the age of 21, you may soon find out that drinking alcohol can feel like a big part of campus life. Learning to be responsible with alcohol is very important, so here is some information that may be crucial to your safety and health.

Drinking alcohol lowers inhibitions and people often do or say things that they would not have normally done sober. Misunderstanding and miscommunication often lead to unwanted sexual advances. Alcohol and other drug use is a factor in about 75% of sexual assaults. Lowered inhibitions can also cause people to abandon safer sex techniques (using condoms, spermicide , Nonoxynol-9, etc.) which can lead to sexually transmitted infection, HIV or pregnancy.

Drinking and driving is EXTREMELY dangerous! Approximately 50% of all fatal highway accidents are alcohol-related. It's not worth it! If necessary, have someone who is not intoxicated drive you home, stay overnight where you are if it is a safe place and you feel comfortable or call a cab - it's worth the money if it's a matter of life or death. You can also call the safety shuttle if you need to be transported within Rutgers New Brunswick which runs from 2:15 am to 6:00 am. The number is (732)932-9230. Just be careful!

Rohypnol ("roofies")

When you go to any type of party, get your own drink (whether alcoholic or non) and don't leave it unattended. If you have to put it down or leave it, get a new one. Rohypnol, commonly known as "roofies," is a pill that has a slightly bitter taste and smell, dissolves quickly and easily in drinks and turns beverages blue. It can make a person confused and possibly lose consciousness. You'll have amnesia, or no recollection the next day of what's happened. This drug could be used to rape or mug unsuspecting people.

Jell-O shots are Jell-O with alcohol in the mixture. They are actually the most dangerous way to consume alcohol. Your stomach recognizes the Jell-O as food and tries to digest it. When the gelatin melts, the alcohol explodes into the lining of the stomach, as opposed to a gradual absorption. It then goes into your bloodstream, then straight to you brain and you may wind up being way more intoxicated than you planned.

Make sure to have food in your stomach (especially carbohydrates, like pizza or bread). Also drink lots of water before and after drinking alcohol to hydrate yourself (it eases up the effects of a hangover). Pace yourself - alternate with a non-alcoholic drink. Try not to go alone and always go with people you trust. Have a plan and try to stick with it.

If you choose to abstain from alcoholic substances, you can still party and have a great time! Often people join in the games with soda or juice. Also, there are many alternatives to partying around Rutgers, just ask around. People will respect your decisions if you're serious about and stick to them.

If you are confused or concerned about alcohol and other drugs, call the Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Programs for Student (ADAPS) at (732) 932-7976. If you have any question or concerns about other health issues such as alcohol, smoking, sex, sexuality, HIV/AIDS, stress, and nutrition, call our department at (732) 932-7710, (973)353-1236 or (856)225-6005. Come and talk to us.

You can find more information on Alcohol at our Ask the Staff page,

Or check out our Alcohol and Drug Abuse Links.