by Joy Spencer As college classes are starting and students are moving in to their apartments, dorms, and fraternity/sorority houses for the fall semester, the OLCC wants to remind students about the dangers of binge drinking. “Binge drinking is a problem that affects a variety of age groups and can be very, very dangerous,” says Rudy Williams, OLCC director of the Public Safety program. “Whether you are celebrating a friend’s 21st birthday, your football team’s victories, or a great score on a test, make sure you are aware of the dangers of binge drinking and the effects that it has on the body.” A few helpful tips for preventing binge drinking: Start the night with a non-alcoholic drink or soda Limit the amount of money you have with you, and leave your credit card at home Drink slowly - try to limit yourself to 1 drink per hour so that you can tell how you feel after every drink Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Fill up on food and water before and during the event