Dear Kyle,

I need some advice on how to avoid drinking and on being tempted to drink on the weekends. I used to drink, but really want to stop now. What kind of activities can I do without a car? What should I say to my friends when they pressure me into joining them?

Sincerely,
Going Downhill Fast

Dear Going Downhill Fast,

This is a common problem many college students face. Research done by the National Institute of Health has shown that nearly 80% of all college students drink. So unfortunately, you are in the minority when you say you don’t want to drink, but fortunately, that number is not 100%, so you’re not alone.

Drinking alcohol can be a way to socialize or to unwind after a long week, IF you do it safely and in moderation. But as many as half of college students that drink admit to binge drinking within the past two weeks, which is when blood alcohol content rises above .08. This is when drinking becomes unsafe, and probably in your case, unwanted.

Especially when you drink with friends, trying to stop is a hard thing to do. Explaining to your friends that you don’t want to drink, and why is a good place to start. It is important to explain your reasoning to your friends before the weekend and before they start to drink. Your reasons for not drinking might be hard enough for them to understand and accept sober, let alone after they’ve started drinking. It might take some time for your friends to understand and accept your reasoning behind not drinking anymore, but if they truly are your friends, they will understand and won’t pressure you into drinking.

Removing yourself from the area where your friends are going to be drinking is a good starting point. Finding people you are comfortable with, and who won’t be drinking will help take your mind off of drinking as well and will allow you to form new friendships, or strengthen old ones, which is always great! Most times, hanging out with people will be better than just isolating yourself in your room.

Now that the weather is getting nicer, it is easier to take walks and be outside on the weekends. Picking up a hobby, like photography is also another great way to take your mind off of drinking. Finding people who don’t drink might be hard at first, but I promise you, there are people out there on this campus who don’t drink.

I admire that you are staying true to yourself and are not allowing yourself to cave in to peer pressure. This process of removing alcohol from your life will undoubtedly be a tough process, but with good friends and new hobbies, the process will be much easier!

Wishing you the best,
Kyle

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