Spring break is the ultimate cliche of the coed experience.
Sunshine, alcohol and barely covered bodies provide more then enough resources for a good time. This is the moment that allows students to let go and consciously, or unconsciously, make the mistakes they will laugh at for years to come.
However, when alcohol is combined with this mentality, problems may develop that could keep you going to the doctor for tests for years to come, resulting in regret instead of fond memories.
Common knowledge of alcohol’s effects states that too much alcohol could inhibit the ability to perform during intercourse. This can induce temporary impotence in men and loss of natural lubrication in women.
Of course, these symptoms come hand in hand with the inability to walk, talk and even keep your eyes open, making unwanted sexual activity almost impossible to complete.
In analyzing the effects of alcohol on risky sexual behavior, the Kinsey Institute focused on acute amounts of the substance. Alcohol impairs cognitive reasoning (required for good decision making), giving more immediate cues (such as arousal) access to the brain first.
These thoughts are what keep us from jumping on anyone we want at anytime we want. When alcohol prohibits that functioning in the brain, the more animalistic, instinctual cues take over.
A study gathered 663 college-aged females and 339 college-aged males, divided them into two groups, and administered a beverage: One group was given a placebo, and the other was administered an alcoholic drink. Individuals were informed of which type of beverage they received.
After being exposed to hypothetical risky behavior scenarios, Kelly Davis of the Kinsey Institute found that “intoxicated individuals’ decreased cognitive capacity reduces their ability to process these distant risk cues, resulting in increased attention to proximal arousal cues. The net result is an increased likelihood of sexual risk behavior.”
It is no secret that inhibitions are lowered once alcohol enters the body. Relative to the spring-break mentality, this seems to be the goal.
Just always remember the difference in having a little fun versus lowering inhibitions to the point of danger. Make no mistake about it: I’m an advocate of making the best of this week of cliche, MTV-style interaction. Just don’t do anything that will result in harm to your health, emotional or physical, once the week is over.
There are a few tools, applicable to both guys and girls, that you can employ to make sure that the fun of spring break stops with the end of the week.
Use the buddy system.
Whether you plan on hitting the nightlife of Los Angeles or traveling to hot spots like Cancun or Miami, keep your friends close by. This goes for guys and girls.
Gentlemen, if you see your friend cozying up to a partner he may regret interacting with later, don’t be afraid to intervene with a diversion. There is a huge difference between getting some and getting some chlamydia. Don’t let your drunk friend’s potential orgasm be the only rationale in making that decision.
And ladies, as much as I hate this, we are always a target, and that risk is multiplied during this week of play. When you go out, make sure it’s with a group of three or more.
Keep track of how many drinks you have with a tally on your wrist. When those dashes start to rise up your arm, it’s probably time to stop.
Never put your drink down. If you happen to walk away from it, consider it finished and get a new one.
Always carry a condom ““ girls and guys ““ whether you plan on having sex or not. Put one in your pocket or purse before you start drinking.
With lowered inhibitions, you can’t always expect you will make the best choice as far as who you decide to do what with. Having the condom there already will keep that little “oops” choice from turning into a life-changing one.
A collegiate spring break is a short-lived escape from the real world that only occurs a few times in your life.
No one can blame you for taking advantage of the weeklong party, as long as you tame the beast when spring quarter begins.
Is there a classy spring break in your future? E-mail Forde at nforde@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.