Alcohol

Alcohol remains the most used substance on college campuses, and its presence in social environments can create risky situations for students to navigate. Nationally, nearly 30% of college students binge drank (more than 5 drinks in one sitting) in the past month and 14% meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2025). Whether you drink or not, understanding the risks associated with alcohol use can help keep our community safer and healthier.

Blood Alcohol Content

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) refers to the percent of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. In Georgia, a person who is over the age of 21 with a BAC of .08 or higher is considered legally intoxicated. 

There are 4 major factors that affect BAC 

  • Amount of Alcohol Consumed: The more alcohol you drink, the higher your BAC—each drink adds more alcohol for your body to process. 
  • How Fast It's Consumed: Drinking alcohol quickly doesn’t give your body enough time to metabolize it, causing your BAC to rise more rapidly. 
  • Biological Sex: Women typically reach higher BAC levels than men after drinking the same amount, due to differences in body composition, hormones, and alcohol-processing enzymes. 
  • Body Weight: People who weigh less usually reach higher BACs faster because there's less body mass to dilute the alcohol. 

Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is a serious, life-threatening condition, and it can happen faster than you think. It occurs when there's too much alcohol in your bloodstream, which can slow down vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. It’s more than just “drinking too much”—it’s a medical emergency. Knowing the signs and when to get help can save a life, maybe even your own or a friend’s.  

Here are some signs to look for: 

  • The person is unconscious or unresponsive and cannot be roused. 
  • Their skin is cold, clammy, pale, or has a bluish tint. 
  • Breathing is slow or irregular, with more than 10 seconds between breaths. 
  • They are vomiting while unconscious and do not wake up after vomiting. 
  • They cannot stand or walk without assistance. 

How to Help

  • Call 911 immediately. If on Emory campus, call EPD: 404-727-6111 
  • Stay with the person. They may appear fine, but the alcohol may take time to be fully absorbed and reach peak levels in the brain. 
  • If possible, carefully place the person on their side with one of their arms under their neck. This can help reduce the risk of aspiration should they vomit. 
  • Avoid giving the person any food or drink to reduce the risk of aspiration. 
  • Do not place the person in a cold shower, as they could fall or the shock could cause them to lose consciousness. 
  • Never let them "sleep it off." 

Harm Reduction Strategies

  • Set a Limit: Decide how many drinks you’ll have before you go out, and commit to sticking with it. 
  • Eat a Good Meal: Food slows down how quickly alcohol enters your bloodstream—don’t drink on an empty stomach. 
  • Make a Plan: Know how you’re getting home and who you’re going out with. Choose friends who look out for each other.

  • Pace Yourself: Sip slowly, avoid drinking games or shots, and give your body time to keep up. 
  • Alternate with Water: Stay hydrated and help pace your alcohol intake by drinking water between alcoholic drinks. 
  • Watch Your Drink: Never leave your drink unattended and don’t accept open drinks from people you don’t know or trust. 

  • Get Home Safely: Use a rideshare app, campus shuttle, or have a sober friend take you home—never drive under the influence. 
  • Check on Friends: Make sure your friends get home safe too, and step in if someone needs help. 
  • Rest and Recover: Sleep, hydrate, and give your body time to bounce back. Avoid “hair of the dog” drinking the next day.

 

Want to check in with your relationship with alcohol? Try our interactive screening here.