For students, by students: It takes LessThanUThink to keep #ResponsibleResolutions in 2015

The following guest blog was authored by Rachel Uniatowski, an APR student at the University of Alabama who is also a member of Capstone Agency, which is a student-run public relations firm. Rachel is also a member of LessThanUThink, a student-generated campaign designed to address the national issue of college-age binge drinking.

Every year on December 31, we count down the hours, minutes and seconds in anticipation of a New Year. As the clock strikes midnight, we reflect on the past year as we create goals for the year ahead, the familiar tradition more commonly known as New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s eating healthy, going to the gym or (for people of-age) cutting back on alcohol consumption, we find ourselves determined to make a change in our lives.

Although most of us start off the year with high hopes, we sometimes find ourselves unable to fulfill our resolutions in the following weeks once the excitement of the New Year dwindles.

 This year, instead of making New Year’s resolutions you know you won’t keep, make #ResponsibleResolutions that stay with you. Whether it’s a change big or small, we all can be more responsible – especially when drinking is involved.

Here are some #ResponsibleResolutions that you and your friends can make, but more importantly keep throughout 2015.

1. Eating before drinking. Since you’re already planning on getting together with your friends for the night, you might as well add dinner to the mix. Your #ResponsibleResolution is to eat dinner before you head out. Eating before drinking can help assure that the odds will be ever in your favor for the night (sorry Effie) since some foods can lower BAC.
2. Drinking water. When you’re out with your friends, be wise and always have a glass of water along with any alcoholic drink you have - that is if you choose to drink in the first place, of course. Make the #RespsonsibleResolution to order a glass of water every time you get a drink from the bar.
3. Designating a driver. Although it’s catchy, you certainly don’t need someone to say, “call me maybe” when it comes to finding a ride home. Before you make any plans for the evening, the first thing you need to do is arrange a designated driver. Your #ResponsibleResolution is to have a DD in place, so all you have to worry about is whose phone to use to call them when the night comes to an end. You can never be too safe.
4. Pacing yourself. Make the #RespsonsibleResolution to pace your drinking throughout the night. Don’t race to see how many drinks you can finish in record time; instead, leave the sprinting to Usain Bolt.

Now that you know some #ResponsibleResolutions, it’s time for you to shake, shake, shake those old resolutions off like Taylor Swift and keep the new responsible changes to ensure a safe and happy year! 

*The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility or any Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility member.*