It may seem like there is always some type of party at UT, and with so many opportunities to drink, many might fear missing out. According to a study by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 14% of college students met the criteria for alcohol use disorder. Binge drinking can increase the risks of suicide, injury, violence, assault and social isolation. Letting your body take a break from alcohol consumption can help improve your mental and physical health.
In 2022, 81% of UT students reported having zero to four drinks at their last social event, meaning there are plenty of sober students around — you just might not have noticed. Depending on your social circle, it may seem like everyone is participating in drinking around you, but you can go out at night without drinking.
Stopping a habit can be daunting, but simple changes can make sober nights out more fun. For instance, consuming non-alcoholic drinks can help your overall experience. Paige Danoff, Sober and Funky founder and former bartender, promotes zero-proof drinks through menu consultation with venues and hosting sober events in Austin.
“We all feel better when we’re out and we have a drink in our hand. … it doesn’t matter what’s in it, but when we have something in our hand, it makes us loose enough,” said Danoff. “Honestly, at the end of the day, it really isn’t even about the drinks, it’s about the community and the connection.”
The main reason for going out in college isn’t to drink, but rather to enjoy the company of your friends and meet new people. Prioritizing these relationships instead of focusing on substances is an attitude change that can help redirect your goals when going out.
UT SHIFT promotes zero-proof bartending and substance abuse awareness. The program provides SHIFT Makers, a team of UT students who make zero-proof cocktails at various events across campus.
“(SHIFT’s goal) is to raise awareness and let people know that there’s a multitude of reasons why someone wouldn’t drink,” said Ava Mora, a SHIFT maker and public relations junior. “It’s about designing social experiences that everyone can partake in … So, a mocktail is a way to be included without being (judged).”
All of these opportunities, on or off campus, emphasize that students don’t need to feel pressure to drink every time they go out. Drinking a zero-proof mocktail or participating in sober events can still satiate the desire to have a good time with friends on Saturday nights. Giving your body a break from continuous substance abuse can allow you to discover new interests and experiences that you might not have while drinking.
“When I was in college, I was the person that would go out and drink almost every night. But you’re doing that because you haven’t found (something) that excites you more,” Danoff said. “Try and find something that you’re really passionate about because (when) you’re drinking (it is) most likely because you’re bored. Would you still be going out and doing that thing if you weren’t drinking? Find the thing that you don’t need to be (drunk) to enjoy.”
Xu is a government freshman from Fort Worth, Texas.
