<p>So I'm going into college (UCLA) and I only really want to drink moderately. I have no problem with drinking obviously, since I plan on doing it, but personally I find getting drunk to be very irresponsible and just something I don't want to do. But I'm worried that in college I won't be able to find very many people who share my convictions. That's not to put down those who do get drunk, I'm sure a lot are nice people and I could be friends with them, but still I'd rather that my close friends and especially potential girlfriends be moderate drinkers. So I guess my question is, will I have trouble finding these other moderate drinkers? If I go to a college party will almost everyone be drunk? Or are there a lot of people, maybe even a majority (if I dare hope) who drink moderately and rarely or never get drunk?</p>
<p>Why are you worried about what other people are doing anyways? I’m pretty sure you’ll find people who won’t drink at all (because it is ILLEGAL to drink if you are under 21), some who will drink a glass or two, the moderates, and the heavy drinkers. If you don’t want to get drunk then don’t get drunk. Stick to your convictions and don’t succumb to peer pressure. And I’m sure you’ll find people who only moderately drink as well. </p>
<p>I’m sensing a double standard. If someone gets drunk they are irresponsible. Isn’t underage drinking irresponsible?</p>
<p>As an 18 year old going into college who has never drank and doesn’t plan to, I’m curious as to the purpose of underage drinking without intention of getting drunk. It is illegal to drink or possess alcohol below the age of 21 of course, and you are risking a lot by doing these things in my mind. So if you don’t want to get drunk, what makes a drink of beer better than your favorite soda? I know from alcohol courses that you apparently get a “warm and fuzzy feeling” below .04 BAC but that doesn’t really sound worth it. </p>
<p>I’m not judging your particular reasons, but I get the feeling that some people drink for no reason other than because it is drinking and that is what you do. </p>
<p>Best of luck though, I’m sure that not everybody is getting wasted because I have to imagine that it makes success in college much more difficult if you’re doing that, and I figure a lot of people in college are trying to do the best that they can.</p>
<p>Well for me moderate drinking would help me talk to people, especially girls, because I’m a very shy person. Plus it would generally put me in a better mood.</p>
<p>As for the risk of getting caught, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone getting in serious trouble for underage drinking. I suppose people do get caught occasionally, but its so rare, so I’d say it’s well worth the “risk”.</p>
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I can understand why you think this way because you have never drank before nor have experienced the stages of intoxication. </p>
<p>People drink for various reasons - to get drunk, to loosen up, to drink their favorite drink, to socialize, and on and on. You don’t have to get drunk every time you drink. Many of those who start off drinking, especially those underage and who do not know when they will get their next drink, over do it. So I will repeat. YOU DO NOT NEED TO GET DRUNK WHEN YOU DRINK. </p>
<p>Many people enjoy the feeling of a slight buzz when they’re hanging out or socializing. That’s perfectly okay. Some people enjoy being drunk. That’s perfectly okay. What’s important is how you handle yourself. No one wants to be with the sloppy drunk who ends up peeing in the middle of the floor or barfing in someone’s hallway. If you’re going to make a “grown up” decision, then handle yourself appropriately; especially, when you’re underage. Take care of yourself and be mindful. </p>
<p>In the end, it does not matter if you find moderate drinkers or those who drink in large amounts. Find those who know how to carry themselves. That’s the key. </p>
<p>Additionally, there’s a time for everything. There are times to be mindful. There are times to be wasted. There are time to hold it back. Remember, all in moderation. Find that “mean”. (Mean does not mean middle…) If after a hard week full of midterms, you need to get plastered. You do that! Just make sure you are 1) mindful, 2) have those who are aware of your plans and 3) have your best interest and will make sure you are safe. </p>
<p>Drink smart. </p>
<p>ETA: Watch how often you drink. Alcoholism can be triggered with stressful events. Look out for how often you reach for the bottle. </p>
<p>Realize that no one else cares what you are doing/how much or whether or not you are drinking. They aren’t watching you or judging you–actually, they are just as self-involved as you are. If you decide to drink/not drink/how much to drink, it’s all your business and no one else’s. If someone offers you a drink and you don’t want it/have reached your limit, whatever, it’s easy enough just to say so, or say you need to get up and be clear headed for the morning. The people who are maybe drinking too much, and want you to drink “more” won’t remember a thing about it the next day.</p>
<p>Just realize that many schools have consequences for drinking, if you are caught or do damage. Review your school’s handbook before you go so you know policies and penalties.</p>
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<p>Was accidentally rude and called out some people ITT w/ my response. PM’ing it to OP as opposed to posting it on public forum. Keeping this line public though:</p>
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<p>“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine</p>
<p>Vctory, if per chance you were calling me out based on what I said, then you can feel free to message me about it. I didn’t see what you originally said so I am unaware, but because you quoted me I assume it had something to do with me. My post shouldn’t have been offensive, as I am not making any judgement and asked questions that I truly wanted to have answered, and Niquii77 did just that.</p>
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<p>Age 21 probably has little to do with why many college students do not drink any alcohol. Non-drinking college students likely stay non-drinking even after they turn 21.</p>
<p>You will probably find that you are in the minority for underage drinkers. Students who are under 21 typically only drink to get drunk (at least from my personal observations in college). This changes once you hit 21. You will be at parties or at a bar with friends drinking casually. If you are at a party, and you only want to drink moderately, I don’t think anyone will judge you or even notice that you aren’t drunk. However, if you aren’t drinking that’s when they’ll take notice. I didn’t start drinking until the latter end of my sophomore year and I found that if I was at a party hanging out people would call me out on it or try and pressure me. If young, drunk people notice that you aren’t on their level they start to feel a little bit self confident, I think.</p>
<p>I think you will find tons of people that don’t drink that much.</p>
<p>I think that there are as many moderate drinkers as there are non-drinkers on any college campus and that not many get blackout drunk every time they pick up a red cup (or do they?) When I visited UCLA on Bruin Day, I didn’t really get a party school vibe, but then again, those events aren’t really conducive to showcasing that kind of stuff. For what it’s worth, I grew up in the area and UCSB and USC are a lot more well-known for partying. I’m sure you’ll find a lot of people who are in your shoes during your time in Westwood!</p>
<p>And I don’t think drinking particularly needs to be lionized or demonized. I’ve been abroad most of this summer and had alcohol; it wasn’t a big deal. But it’s definitely a matter of personal preference what one chooses to do during their college years and beyond.</p>
<p>Best of luck! </p>
<p>It will probably depend on where you live. I attended a nerdy, prestigious school and know that there were many non-drinkers on my campus, but I lived in a part of my dorm that was very drinking focused. I never got drunk, even when spending long periods of time abroad, and not after I turned 21. I never had more than one drink in a night, and even that I had maybe twice a year. Perhaps my friends, despite being drinkers, were more accepting than most would have been of my teetotaling, but the general sentiment I felt was that so long as you were fun and not judgmental, it was acceptable to drink as much or as little as you liked.</p>