Party Smart
Curious about your habits or want to reflect on your choices?
You can get anonymous, online feedback about your substance use—no meeting required. These reports are designed to non-judgmentally help you reflect on your relationship with substances, with the goal of reducing unwanted experiences and increasing positive outcomes in your life.
What Students Say About Partying
While it may seem like partying is the norm at college, not everyone parties or drinks at 鶹ѰBoulder. Here are some things students say they wish they would’ve known about partying and drinking.
It's ok sometimes to miss out on partying with my friends, there will always be another opportunity to hang out.
It's okay to have my own boundaries and not to go past them
Most of my memorable college experiences, would come from when I was sober.
Making Choices That Work for You
Everyone is somewhere on the continuum of substance use:
- Substance-free: Don’t use, have never used or rarely used in the past
- Experimental: Unsure how a substance will affect you; little experience
- Regular use: Use a substance and know how it affects you from experience
- High-risk use: Have had unwanted experiences related to substance use
- Living in recovery: Changed habits to practice moderation, harm reduction or sobriety
You also might be in different places for different substances. For example, you could be substance-free for nicotine, experimenting with cannabis and a regular user of alcohol.
No matter where you are, harm-reduction strategies can help you stay safer at parties:
- Decide what’s best for you: Take time to think about your choices and set limits that feel right for you. It’s okay to say “no” or “I’m good, thanks” if you don’t want to use.
- Stick with people you trust: Go out with friends you know well, make a plan to check in with each other and agree on how you’ll get home safely.
- Choose your setting: Whether it’s a big party or a small hangout, pick the environment that matches your comfort level. If things don’t feel right, it’s okay to leave.
- Pace yourself: Too many parties or frequent use can affect your well-being and academics. Give yourself breaks and listen to how you’re feeling.
- Know your limits: Start slow, take breaks and remember your tolerance might change in new situations. Setting a limit ahead of time can help you avoid unwanted experiences.
- Stick to one substance at a time: Mixing alcohol, medications or other drugs can increase your risk of overdose or other negative effects. The interactions can be unpredictable, so it’s safer to use only one at a time.
- Eat and stay hydrated: If you choose to drink, eat a meal or snack beforehand and drink water throughout the night. Alternating water with alcoholic drinks can help you stay hydrated.
- Plan a sober ride home
- Make a plan for getting home before you start drinking.
- Do not drive after drinking, or get in the car with someone who has been drinking.
- 鶹ѰNightRideoffersfree evening transportation to and from any location within Boulder city limits.