Alcohol and Other Drugs
Alcohol

General Information
Alcohol Self-Assessment
BASICS
Resources
Campus Guidelines and Policies
Get Involved

 

General Information

Lower-Risk Drinking is:

  • Determining the number of drinks you plan to consume before drinking
  • Eating before and while you are drinking
  • Pacing your drinking to no more than one drink per hour
  • Consuming no more than four drinks for women, five for men in one sitting
  • Alternating alcohol-free drinks and alcohol drinks
  • Avoiding drinking games
  • Planning how to get home before going out
  • Asking friends for help sticking to your drinking “rules”
  • Knowing what is in your drink
  • Never leaving a drink unattended

Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol depresses the nervous system. This includes the ability to breathe and the gag reflex which prevents choking. High levels of alcohol can stop these functions. Even after someone stops drinking, alcohol is in the system and can be fatal. If you see someone experiencing the following symptoms, call for help immediately:

  • Mental confusion
  • Semi-consciousness or unconsciousness and cannot be awakened
  • Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin
  • Slowed breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute)
  • Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
  • Vomiting while "sleeping" or passed out, and not waking up after vomiting

If a person has any of these symptoms, s/he is most likely experiencing acute alcohol intoxication.
  • Get help. Call (212) 854-5555 or 99 on-campus; off-campus call 911.
  • Do not leave the person alone.
  • Turn the person on her/his side to prevent choking in case of vomiting.
  • Always better to be safe than sorry: How can someone be angry at you about caring for her/him?
 
 
 
  • Interested in learning more about your own drinking? Take this short self-assessment to assist in understanding your use of alcohol.
 
 
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BASICS

BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students) is designed to assist you in examining your drinking and other drug-use behavior in a judgment-free environment. BASICS is not an abstinence-only program. Instead, the goals are selected by you and are aimed at reducing risky behaviors and potential harmful consequences. Services provided through the BASICS program are non-judgmental, non-labeling, and confidential. For more information about BASICS at Columbia, check out Columbia Health's BASICS website

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Event Hosting Resources
Campus Resources
Off-Campus Resources
*24 Hour Number
 

Check out the following Q&As from Go Ask Alice!

  • Drinking for stress relief — a problem?
  • Trouble controlling my drinking
  • Hangover helper — and tips for healthy drinking
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Alice! Health Promotion follows the guidelines and policies set forth in Essential Policies on alcohol other drug use. In order to comply with federal, state, and city laws, and to promote the health and well-being of its community, Columbia has enacted policies on alcohol and drugs. All students, faculty, and staff are expected to comply with this policy. Please also take note of information found in the Columbia Housing’s online Guide to Living, including policies and procedures on alcohol and other drugs and the Responsible Community Action Policy.
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Get Involved

If you are a student group/organization, classroom, or residence hall and interested in a Responsible Event Host Training, please fill out and submit the online Request an Alice! Training form.

 
If you are a Columbia student and interested in facilitating conversations with incoming students about alcohol and other drug issues, please visit the RC@C link for more information.
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General Information (212) 854-2284
After-hours urgent health concerns (212) 854-9797
CU-EMS (Ambulance) (212) 854-5555
Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center   (212) 854-HELP
Uptown Campus Public Safety
 - On-Campus 7-7979
 - Off-Campus (212) 305-8100