Support and Advice

Responsible Drinking

 

As a student, we want you to enjoy your time at university whether you choose to drink alcohol or not. Here are some hints to help you drink responsibly if you do choose to drink alcohol:

  • Know your limit

Most people find that one alcoholic drink an hour will keep them in control and avoid drunken behaviour.

  • Eat food while you drink

Eat high protein foods such as meat and cheese to help to slow the absorption of alcohol into the system.

  • Have non-alcoholic drinks too

Non-alcoholic drinks in-between the alcoholic ones keep your blood alcohol concentration down. Space out your alcoholic drinks.

  • Drink spiking

Although this is rare, it does happen. Keep your drinks close to you at all times.

  • Respect those who do not wish to drink

People may not wish to drink for many reasons including religious or medical reasons, or they just may not like the taste of alcohol and the effect it has on them. It is important to respect their decision.

  • At the end of the night

Drink a pint of water to rehydrate your body and prevent a hangover the next day. Also eat some food that you have prepared earlier or put some money aside for the end of the night to buy a takeaway.

Student Counselling Service

If you are concerned about any aspects of your own alcohol use, you can talk to one of our trained counsellors in a safe and confidential environment.

For more information visit the Student Services Counselling web pages. Email counselling@bangor.ac.uk or call 01248 388520.

CAIS

CAIS is a local service based at the Abbey Road Centre, Farrar Road, Bangor. They provide a range of services and interventions to prevent alcohol and drug related harm.

Telephone: 0845 06 121 12 or call the Abbey Road Centre directly on 01248 354888.

Alcoholics Anonymous

AA help individuals who have problems with alcohol consumption. You can visit their website for more information and find an AA meeting in your area.

Telephone: 0845 769755 for their national helpline (calls charged at local rate on BT landlines)

Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline

The Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline provides confidential support and advice for anyone in Wales relating to Drugs and Alcohol. They can also put you in touch with services in your local area.

Telephone: 0808 808 2234 for their bilingual helpline (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Drinkaware: Track and Calculate Units

This app enables you to track your alcohol consumption, calculate the units and calories, and set goals to help you moderate your drinking which gives you regular personalised feedback. Download it here.

Personal Safety App - bSafe

This app allows you to set up a network with friends and guardians so that they can "follow" you home via GPS tracker. If you press the SOS alarm in an emergency, they will get an alert with your exact location and you can record audio and video from your phone in case you want to present it to the police later. This app also has a 'fake call' feature which can be used if you need to get out of an awkward situation. You can download it here.

External Resources

Drinkaware provides more information about drinking responsibly, the effects of alcohol and tips to help cut down your alcohol consumption.

This Drinkaware video also explains the effects of alcohol.

Do you know the impact of irresponsible drinking? Listen to a nurse's account of a typical weekend night in A&E.