The Basics

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol is often a prominent part of the college social scene but too often, students are harmed by the negative effects of high-risk drinking. High-risk drinking, also known as binge drinking, is also defined as 5 or more alcoholic drinks in a two-hour period for men; and 4 or more alcoholic drinks in a two-hour period for women.

The consequences of alcohol abuse can lead to poor academic performance, unintentional injuries and more. The information contained in this section can help you navigate through alcohol-related resources and information specifically designed for students within the FSU community.

Reducing your risk for binge drinking can occur by identifying what is considered “A Standard Drink” and utilizing protective strategies.

binge definition
standard drink

Alcohol Poisoning

The information outlined below will help you identify key signs of alcohol poisoning.

  • Unconscious and cannot be roused
  • Vomiting while unconscious
  • Slow, shallow breathing
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Blue extremities (fingers, toes, lips)

What should you do if you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning?

  • Call 911 (or FSU Police at 850-644-1234, if on campus)
  • Roll them on their side
  • Stay with the person needing assistance until help arrives

What Should You Not Do If You Suspect Someone Has Alcohol Poisoning?

  • Do not hesitate to call 911
  • Do not leave the person alone
  • Do not try to give the person anything to eat or drink
  • Do not put the person in a cold shower
  • Do not just let them “sleep it off.”
In summary if you see someone showing any of these symptoms immediately call 911, as you may end up being a life saver!

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)

Blood Alcohol Content, also known as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), refers to the percent of alcohol present in the blood. In order to determine a person's absolute BAC level, it can only be obtained by drawing a sample of blood. However, if it is only an estimated BAC that is desired, estimates can be obtained by utilizing breathalyzers. In order to reduce your risk of alcohol poisoning, please click on one of the guides below.

Male BAC Card  

Female BAC Card  

Be an Active Bystander

Take action if you are concerned about someone:

  • Direct: Confront all involved and show you are a witness to what is happening. "Are you ok? Are they bothering you? Do you want to go home?"
  • Distract: Create an interruption that separates target and aggressor. "Can you help me with something? Hey, I want you to meet someone."
  • Delegate: Engage Allies. If your friend looks drunk, you should check on them. "Let’s call the police."

How to Help a Friend

  • If you care, show concern
  • Avoid blaming, lectures, and verbal attacks
  • Keep an open mind about how your friend evaluates their situation
  • Encourage non-drinking behavior by planning activities not related to alcohol
  • Limit personal drinking when you are with your friend who has a problem
  • Encourage friend to take advantage of campus resources

FSU Amnesty

Our top priorities at Florida State University are student safety and well-being. We support a safe and inclusive environment by encouraging students and student organizations to take immediate action in seeking emergency medical attention for individuals who need medical care.

FSU Amnesty Policy  

Party SMART Guide

If you are over the age of 21 and choose to drink alcohol, make smart choices and utilize the Party Smart Guide below to assist you:

  • Alternate non-alcoholic with alcoholic beverages and no more than one drink per hour.
  • Designate a sober driver or identify one of FSU’s safe transportation options from the list below:
Company Phone Hours Misc
S.A.F.E Connection 850-644-SAFE (7233) 7 days a week / 7:00PM - 2:30AM Travel around campus at night
Nole Cab 850-999-9999 7 days a week / 10:00PM - 4:00AM Up to 4 students /up to 2 stops / 1 Student must present FSUCard
Nite Nole   Monday – Saturday / 10:30PM - 3:00AM Bus Route
Yellow Cab Taxi 850-999-9999 7 days a week / 24 hours Full service cab company
  • Watch who makes your drink, and keep it in your possession at all times.
    • Learn more about Drink Spiking.
  • Avoid pre-gaming, chugging, dares, and drinking games.
  • Set a limit on how many drinks you are going to have and stick to it.
  • Eat before and/or during drinking.
  • Keep track of your drinks.
  • Do not mix alcohol with other substances.
  • Do not drink alcohol with stimulants such as Red Bull.
  • Know the signs of alcohol poisoning and do not be afraid to call for medical assistance if needed.

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

In serious or life-threatening situations, students may qualify for FSU Amnesty should they take the following steps:

SEEK HELP. Do not wait for all symptoms of alcohol poisoning to be present before acting.

  • Call 911.
  • For on-campus emergencies, call FSU PD at (850) 644-1234.

STAY with the person until emergency responders arrive. Additional strategies that may help include:

  • Roll them on their side to help prevent choking.
  • Do not leave them alone or let them “sleep it off.”
  • Do not give them food or drink.
  • Do not put them in a cold shower.

SHARE as much information as possible with emergency responders, including the amount or dose of substances consumed.

SAFETY NUMBERS

FSU POLICE DEPARTMENT: 850.644.1234

  • For campus emergencies or to report a crime

FSU VICTIM ADVOCATE PROGRAM: 850.644.7161

  • After hours (Nights, Weekends & Holidays) call FSU PD at 850-644-1234. For confidential support, speak to the on-call advocate and receive options regarding victimization.

UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER: 850.644.2003

  • 24-hour Crisis Help Line for counseling and crisis intervention call 850-224-6333 or call 211