Last week a great deal of our discussion centered around teens and drinking. It should. UnderAge Drinking is a dangerous activity, particularly "Binge Drinking." It was a coincidence that my daughter Catherine received a 21st birthday card from OU Friday. It opened with "Celebrate, Sooner Style." The inside message: SOONERS Celebrate Responsibly.
In colleges all over America it is an accepted practice to celebrate "being legal" at a popular bar.
There, the birthday boy or girl orders shots, 21 of them. Each shot is drunk with enthusiastic cheering on from friends. Needless to say, the night ends messy at the least and deadly at the worst.
OU has begun a very aggressive campaign against both underage and binge drinking. It was begun in earnest in 2005, after a freshman pledge at the Sigma Chi house died from alcohol poisoning. The card my daughter received from President Boren and Dean of Students, Clarke Stroud was yet another example of how much good information is available for our kids.
Here is some of what is included in the birthday card.
Know the Signs of Alcohol Poisoning:
*Unconsciousness
*Slow Respiration (less than 8 breaths a minute)
*Cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin
*Vomiting while passed out/not waking up after vomiting
*When in doubt...call 911
If You Even Think That Someone Has
Alcohol Poisoning
Call 911 Immediately!
*Do Not Leave the Person Alone
*Roll person on side to prevent choking
*Monitor the person's airway, breathing and circulation until help arrives
Make Smart Choices
*Drinking is a choice.....yours
*Look for alternatives to alcohol with creative food and drink, and activities that do not involve drinking
*Never Drink and Drive
*If you choose to drink, do not over-consume. Switch or alternate with soft-drinks or water
*Eat before and snack during the party
*Be aware: Alcohol absorption can be effected by age, weight, medical conditions, medications and other factors
*Use your own I.D. Do not let anyone else use your I.D.
*If you choose to drink, you must be 21
*Help others make smart choices
Further information is given regarding saferide in the Norman area and a number for help with alcohol issues. They also indicate the web page for OU's Alcohol Policy.
OU students are all very familiar with the policy. It is three strikes and then, you're Out. Most students feel the Campus Police are overly aggressive in citing infractions. Of course they do. Drinking is something many have been doing since they were 15. Lots of drinking.
I applaud the alcohol education MHS offered our high school kids last week. I am grateful for OU's increased emphasis on safety and drinking responsibly with their students. MADD and SADD and The Victims Panel and Police Programs and counselors and AA...the list of help and education available is impressive. The question is , is any of it reaching our kids?
