By Christopher Navarrete | HealthWorks Peer Educator 

Worried about drinking too much at a party? The heavy episodic drinking among some college students is a national public health issue but that does not mean you need to drink excessively and put your health at risk. Here are some tips to help you avoid party regret.  

• Plan ahead before going out to drink. For example, you should try to eat a full meal, plan a safe way home and set a drink limit.  
• Go out with friends you trust and designate a sober friend to keep everyone together. 
• While you’re at the party, aim for one drink per hour, and water them down when possible.  

If you are concerned about you or a friend, Penn State offers a variety of resources such as the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), ScreenU and the Collegiate Recovery Community. Students who self-refer to the BASICS program will not be charged a fee to complete the program.