21st

Hey, Columbia, this weekend (on Sunday to be exact) is my 21st birthday. I plan on drinking LEGAL that day.  So, in this weeks post, I will remind all of us that there are serious risks involved.

Downing large quantities of alcohol is dangerous and can be fatal. Among the consequences, there’s alcohol poisoning, impaired judgement, and DWI’s. So, for anybody out there wondering if eating your underwear before the cop makes it to your car window will sober you up (don’t look at me like I’m stupid – a man actually tried it and almost choked to death), these are for you.

(All facts are taken from a USA.gov site sponsored by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism).

1. Drinking isn’t dangerous — it’s stupid people who get drunk and try to fly.
Well, yea, it is stupid people who try to fly (and eat underwear), but alcohol, especially tequila (don’t know why yet) can make anyone stupid. One in three 18 to 24-year-olds admitted to emergency rooms for serious injuries is intoxicated.

2. Mind over matter — cop breaks down my door, I can sober-up in no time.
Wrong again. It takes a minimum of 3 hours, depending on your weight and quantity imbibed, to eliminate your blood alcohol content. Nothing, and I repeat, NOTHING can speed that process up. Not coffee, not a cold shower, not eating your underwear … nothing.

3. I’ve only had three beers. Where are my keys, this party is laaaamme.
Look, all fun and games aside, drunk driving kills people. Plain and simple. I don’t care if its one beer or twelve and you think you can drive – plan ahead and get a ride. You trying to show off that you can “hold your liquor” is not worth killing a family coming back from a late movie. You want to try to eat your underwear, fine, but stay off the road.

Alright, yes, I’m starting to sound like my mom back in high school. I know drinking with your friends can be fun and it leads to some great times, but young adults (and everybody else) have to be smart. Like the Bacardi commercials have been pounding into our skulls (no, cranberry juice is not the sole mixer on planet) – Please, drink responsibly.

And don’t eat your underwear. That’s just nasty.