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Stay in the Blue:
It's All about Planning Your Party

"Stay in the Blue" means keeping your blood alcohol content (BAC) at .06 or below.

 If you don't drink, you're already Staying in the Blue, like Desmond Howard, Heisman Trophy winner, AKA "the Man":

Stay in the Blue: "The Man" from Filmic Productions on Vimeo.

 

True Blue, Day and NightCelebrate U-M games by wearing maize and Staying in the Blue.  Remember all the good plays and fun times! If you drink:

  • Eat before
  • Pace yourself
  • Avoid shots

Expect Respect: GIVE it and GET it. Behave with integrity and consideration for others:

  • Stay in the Blue so you don't need a "babysitter."
  • Step in if you see something wrong, like a friend hitting on someone who's wasted.
  • Talk to your friend if you think he or she is drinking too much. Want some tips? See Helping a Friend.
  • Know the signs of an Alcohol Emergency and know what to do.

Stay in the Blue LogoWhat's a drink? Drinks contain differing amounts of alcohol, so before you can estimate your BAC, you need to know what a “standard” drink is. "One drink" is equal to:

  • 12 oz beer or wine cooler
  • 1 oz liquor (100 proof) or 1.25 oz liquor (80 proof)
  • 8-9 oz malt liquor
  • 5 oz table wine
  • 3-4 oz fortified wine (sherry, port)
  • 2 oz liqueur, cordial, aperitif
  • 1.5 oz brandy

Did you know that red party cups contain 18 oz and 1.5 drinks? A Long Island iced tea contains 4-5 drinks!

Individual effects: Alcohol also affects individuals differently, and BAC may be affected by your:

  • Gender
  • Emotional state
  • Physical condition
  • Amount of food consumed
  • Menstrual cycle
  • Any additional drugs or medication

Tools to help moderate drinking:

Stay in the Blue Tips (PDF) from Michigan students

BAC estimators:

e-CHUG (electronic Check Up to Go) is a personalized, confidential screening that lets you see how your drinking compares to others your age and the general adult population, assesses your family history, tests your knowledge of campus norms and gives your typical and peak BAC levels.

Having trouble Staying in the Blue? Try BASICS, a brief alcohol assessment and education program that can help you moderate or abstain.

See the winners of student video contest!

1st prize: How I stay in the Blue   /  /  /  /  /  2nd prize: Party Ref
 

 

picture of carved pumpkins with text: which jack-o-lantern stays in the blue?For more information about BAC or Stay in the Blue, contact:

Marsha Benz
UHS Health Educator
734-647-4656