Alcohol and you

A guide to responsible brotherhood

Beta Chapter’s Drinking Policy

Alcohol is forbidden at any and all PSP meetings (including rush and initiate meetings). Duh!

Punishment for violation is EXPULSION. Don’t risk it!

Beta Chapter’s Drinking Policy Any active brother, alumni

member or initiate who is found to have been drinking alcohol while wearing PSP letters in public view can be disciplined according to National Operating Policies.

If you are 21, you may drink at “official” chapter events – approved in advance by chapter vote (our annual formal, for example). Just don’t wear any letters!

Beta Chapter’s Drinking Policy We expect brothers to

behave responsibly and keep their priorities straight!

Active members might occasionally gather in a common location where alcohol is present. These types of gatherings are neither encouraged or discouraged; they are not officially recognized as Phi Sigma Pi activities. In these situations, brothers are expected to respect the law and public safety.

What you need to know about alcohol

We all know the law: get caught drinking under 21 and you’re busted. If you buy for a minor, you’re breaking the law, too.

What follows are some things you may not know about alcohol…

What you need to know about alcohol

THE GOOD

<< Individuals with more muscle mass are less affected by alcohol. That’s because muscles contain water, which absorbs alcohol from your bloodstream. So… start working out! (Don’t do it while you’re drinking, though; that’s unhealthy.)

A recent study revealed that heavy drinking among members of Greek organizations does not necessarily lead to increased alcohol use later in life. There’s hope for everyone.

The presence of food in the stomach slows the rate of intoxication (although the amount of alcohol absorbed remains unchanged). Eat up!

Vomiting is part of the body’s defense system to keep more alcohol from being consumed. Listen to your body!

What you need to know about alcohol

THE BAD

Excessive drinking can decrease the amount of testosterone in a man’s body and even cause impotence! …Or so I’ve heard. >>

Birth control pills slow down the rate at which alcohol is eliminated from the body. (Note: you should probably not skip your pill just so you can drink more.)

Students at smaller colleges tend to drink more than students at larger schools. (!)

One in three 18-to-24 year olds admitted to the E.R. for serious injury is intoxicated.

What you need to know about alcohol

THE UGLY

<< Chronic alcohol use can damage the frontal lobes of the brain and cause an overall reduction in brain size. Not very scholarship-y!

Binge drinking is more common in men than in women, but women who drink regularly are at a significantly greater risk of liver damage. Moderation is key.

Alcohol use is implicated in one-third of drowning deaths. If you’re drinking, stay off the lake.

Finally,

Use your head when you’re around alcohol. You never know when some of your valuable knowledge will help a friend out or even save a life!

Search with Google, ask your doctor or go to the library. You’ll find out that alcohol’s effects (and the regulations that have been put in place to contain those effects) are interesting and fun to discuss!

Be smart, safe and conscious of risks. That’s all we ask of every brother.

NOTES

Much of the information in this presentation came directly from www.BRAD21.org. If you doubt the validity of the facts, take it up with BRAD. (BRAD stands for Be Responsible About Drinking, an admirable organization.)

PSP-related policy came directly from the bylaws. Check it.

While we absolutely do not condone any “wiggling” in regards to state alcohol laws, it is important to note that you have rights when questioned by police. Do not consent to any personal searches if there is no warrant; this refusal cannot be held against you. Keep your personal items out of plain view, because police do not need a warrant to seize things they can see clearly. Do not answer questions without your attorney present if you feel you might incriminate yourself. Above all, however, exercise your rights without appearing hostile or confrontational – you never want to give an officer a reason to detain you.

More information concerning law is available at www.flexyourrights.org.

Interesting answers to a variety of alcohol- and other health-related questions are available at www.goaskalice.columbia.edu.

Thanks for watching!