Non Use …At

UNH?Did you know…According to the 2009 UNH student survey: 20% of UNH students do not use alcohol at all on a monthly basis.

31% of UNH students do not use alcohol on a weekly basis.

For a campus of 12,000 students, that is over 4,000 students who are not drinking

during any given week. Which is like filling Stoke Hall 6 times.

Whether or not you choose to not drink at all, or are

selective about where and when you drink:

You can be substance free at

UNH

Common Myths About NOT Drinking

I won’t have anything to do. I won’t make/keep any friends. People will pressure me to drink.

None of these are true, thousands of UNH students don’t drink, or “party” and still have a

fun and active social life.

Why Not Drink?1. To stay out of trouble

2. To stay safe

3. To stay in control

4. For religious/moral reasons

5. Previous bad experiences

6. Health reasons

7. Medication Interactions

8. Family history of Alcoholism

Whatever your reasons, you

make the choice! If it’s good for

you, it is the right reason.

How to Deal with Others Be consistent. It is easier for people to support

you if you are consistent with your message and your approach.

Be willing and prepared to turn down drinks.

If comfortable, share your plan and feelings. People are less likely to offer you a drink if they know that you don’t plan on drinking.

If comfortable, share your thoughts with others. You might find that a friend has similar feelings and you speaking up may give them the courage to not drink too.

Plan Ahead What else is happening on campus?

If you are going to a party, bring your own drinks. Speak up. If there is something you would like to see or do (on your floor, in your hall, or on campus) let people know.

Get involved in groups that share your interests.

Find friends who are supportive.

Remember…whatever your reason, it’s the right reason for you.Don’t worry about others. Most won’t notice or care if you don’t drink.

You don’t need alcohol to have fun.

You could be a catalyst for change as others notice that you are having a good time without the negative consequences often associated with drinking.

How To Have Fun Without Drinking

Join a student organization (www.unh.mub.com/sos)

Take a class at Campus Recreation

(http://campusrec.unh.edu)

Join Peer Education (www.unh.edu/health-services)

Check out great events at the MUB

(www.unhmub.com)

Ask your RA to organize a theme party, provided by

Health

Services.

o Spa and Sleep Party Kits

o Call 862-3823

Check out the events at Campus Ministry (www.unh.edu/campusministry) Go to a UNH Athletics game. Go Wildcats! Cook or have dinner with your friends. Go shopping. Go dancing. Watch your favorite TV show. Take some time for you. Go for a walk. Go to a movie with a friend. Play a game. Need ideas? Check out www.unhmub.com/afterhours.

Services at UNHOffice of Health Education and Promotion, Health ServicesOffers counseling, support and education for those concerned about their own or another’s alcohol and/or other drug use. Appointments/information: (603) 862-3823 or www.unh.edu/health-services.

Other Resources Counseling Center: (603) 862-2090,www.unhcc.unh.edu Have fun without Alcohol: www.unhmub/afterhours/