The O-town Scene - Oneonta, NY
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/30393
Trust Me, I’m a Counselor by Lisa Ryther Going out tonight? You have your ID, money, phone, a destination, but what is your plan on how to come back home in one piece at the end of the night? It’s probable nothing bad will happen if you don’t have a plan, but the same could be said for driving in your car without a seatbelt. We wear seatbelts to protect us in the chance that we could be in an accident, so why not play it safe in every aspect of our lives? Trust me, make a plan. Don’t know how? Here are some tips: Let’s stay together There’s safety in numbers. Stick with your friends, and know your surroundings. Do you know whose party it is? Do you feel comfortable there? If not, trust your gut, and head out. Use a buddy system, and have at least one friend that will keep an eye out for you and for whom you will do the same. Hold on tight If you choose to drink, hold on to your cup and don’t set it down and/or give it to someone else to hold. There are people out there, some you know and others you don’t, who could slip something into your drink. Don’t take the chance. Rohypnol, also known as Ruffies, becomes invisible to the naked eye when slipped into a drink. Common effects include disinhibition and amnesia, decreased blood pressure, confu- sion and drowsiness. Often recipient of this dangerous cocktail are unaware they have been slipped a drug until they wake up the next morning after a black out caused by it. Call someone who cares How are you getting home at the end of the night? Figure it out ahead of time. Know when the last bus stops running, have numbers for cab companies and have money for the fare. If you miss the bus and can’t catch a cab, grab a friend and stick to the main roads _ never walk alone. Bring your cell phone with you, and make sure it is charged. Put 911 on speed dial so if you are in trouble you can call for help. Two Oneonta Taxi companies that I see many students use are A&D Taxi (433- 1726) and ABC Taxi (437-5267). For a complete list of Oneonta Public Transportation schedules/routes, visit www. oneonta.ny.us/publictransportation. Never drink on an empty stomach Have something to eat before you head out. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach leads to becoming intoxicated at a faster rate, which can be very dangerous. The more you drink and the faster you become intoxicated, the more you increase your risk of alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal. Bring a bottle of water and/or other non-alcoholic beverage that will keep you hydrated, and alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the evening. Help somebody If you are in trouble or something just does not feel safe, do not hesitate to call for help. If you see someone else in trouble, do not be a bystander, and help if you can. If you are concerned that you could be put in an unsafe situation by helping someone else, call the police; it should already be on speed dial on your cell phone, right? In light of the recent assaults of area female college students, it is important now more than ever to educate yourself, protect yourself and think of your safety by plan- ning ahead. Now go out and have a great time. That’s my advice, take it or leave it. Lisa Ryther is a counselor in the College Assistance Migrant Program at the State University College at Oneonta. April 28, 2011 O-Town Scene 7