There are so many things to talk about when it comes to holiday safety.
Students should enjoy the holidays, but they should also be careful to avoid problem situations and pitfalls that could not only derail their holiday but also their plans for the future.
The biggest problem we see in law enforcement during the holidays is increased consumption of alcohol and recreational drug use. While these problems occur year-round, we often see an increase during the holiday season.
Alcohol and drug use are not isolated to college and universities, but consumption is often higher among college and university-age students.
College is a time for young adults to explore life, figure out who they are, and to determine their pathway in life. That newfound freedom has long been associated with the use of alcohol and recreational drugs. The holidays often serve as an excuse for some to let their guard down, take risks, and overindulge in the celebration.
Alcohol and other drugs decrease inhibitions and judgment and can lead to reckless behavior with long-term consequences. My hope is that our students enjoy the holidays and avoid situations that could threaten their lives and their future success.
As your Chief of Police, I meet and correspond with college, local universities, and municipal police chiefs in the metropolitan area on a regular basis. Alcohol and recreational drug use are one of the biggest challenges we all face.
Oklahoma City University’s ultimate goal is to prepare all learners to create, lead, and to serve their communities.
The human brain is not fully developed until approximately age 25. Continued use of alcohol and recreational drugs can unknowingly damage the most important tool that you have to accomplish your mission as an OCU graduate.
Holiday tips
1. Avoid distracted driving with your cell phone. That’s good advice all the time.
2. Get a good night’s sleep before traveling on the roadways. Sleep driving is very similar to drunk driving.
3. Don’t place open flame candles near combustibles.
4. Avoid eating foods that have been sitting out for more than two hours.
Alcohol and drug abuse warnings
1. Don’t drive after drinking, smoking, or ingesting mind-altering drugs or alcohol.
2. There is no way to sober up any faster than your body is able to do so after drinking alcohol or ingesting drugs.
3. Driving is not the only way you can be significantly injured while intoxicated.
4. Your chance of becoming a sexual assault victim increases greatly when you are intoxicated.
5. Hydrate with non-alcoholic beverages and eat food to slow the absorption of alcohol.
6. Recreational drugs, even medical marijuana, are not regulated. You never know what you’re getting.
7. There is no acceptable level of marijuana use allowed before driving. It’s all impaired driving.
8. Stay in the company of people and friends that you actually know and trust. Look out for each other.
9. Don’t be pressured into drinking or using drugs.
10. Nausea and vomiting is your body’s way of telling you you’ve had too much to drink.
11. Drugs and alcohol can cause you to forget about other dangers like Influenza (The Flu), Covid-19 and its many variants, Hepatitis, and STDs.
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