If you drink at college, follow these tips to avoid serious danger

Binge drinking is declining nationally and at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, two schools that advocate moderation if you’re going to drink.

• Related: Students drinking less at MSU and U-M, but still more than national average

Here are some tips to avoid excessive drinking: 

• Eat immediately before and while drinking, especially foods high in protein or fat.
• Arrive late and leave early.
• Set a drink limit and count your drinks.
• Measure your own drinks. For example, one-third of a red Solo cup for wine and three-quarters full for beer.
• Measure alcohol in mixed drinks with a shot glass. Add non-carbonated mixers.
• If you play drinking games, fill beer pong cups only one-third full, and set a maximum number of drinks or game rounds.
• Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Space your drinks. If you normally drink a beer in 10 minutes, try stretching it to 20 minutes.
• Pace yourself with a slower-drinking friend.
• Use a buddy system: Tell a friend the number of drinks you want to limit yourself to.
• Don’t drink from open containers like punch bowls if you don’t know the percentage of alcohol.
• Don’t leave your drink unattended.
• Don’t mix alcohol with stimulants (Ritalin, Red Bull) or depressants (Valium, Ativan)
• Pour yourself a non-alcoholic drink in a Solo cup. No one will know the difference.
• Know how you’re getting home.

Source: University of Michigan Health Service