Alcohol and drug use is often seen as a rite of passage in college, but the truth is, you can have just as much fun without them. You can invite a couple of friends over to watch a show or play card games, go hiking, join a league for a random sport like bowling, or check out a local restaurant. Basically, you can do anything!
If you’re of legal age and do choose to drink alcohol or experiment with legal recreational drugs, however, be sure to make informed decisions. Know your alcohol tolerance levels, your drink serving sizes, and your reasons for drinking. Do you feel like you need this glass of wine to get through the day/night? Or is it a treat you simply want to enjoy over takeout with friends? Always plan rides ahead of time when you know you will be drinking or using drugs; ask a sober friend to drive you, or keep your phone battery charged so you and your friends can call a car service for a ride at the end of the night. Additionally, read up on the risks and side effects involved with legal recreational drug use, and only take prescription medications per your doctor’s instructions. This isn’t about killing your buzz or preventing you from having a good time—it’s simply about lessening the risks involved!