Little 500

Little 500

This is a great fun way to connect with other students and spend time together for a good cause with a rich history to help raise scholarship money for undergraduate students. The Race Day is one of the larger events at IU, however it can come with some challenges. Alcohol has become a large part of this tradition, which if safely done can be fun. If you are maintaining sobriety, this can be difficult because it is so heavily tied in the tradition. You can support your friends in the race or just go with friends and participate in the other aspects of this race and tradition without consuming alcohol and still have fun.

If Drinking at Little 500

-look ahead at the weather conditions and prepare, April is unpredictable. It can be very hot which can create a situation where you will become dehydrated faster making the effects of alcohol have more effect. If it’s raining, you can be unaware due to the substances of your body temperature and it will increase your chances of getting sick from the flu or another infection because, so if it will rain dress accordingly.

• Eat beforehand and during the event, eat before you begin drinking
• Alternate between Alcohol and water throughout the day to stay hydrated and to cut down on overconsumption
• -Do not drive, have a sober friend give you a ride.
• -Work with the knowledge that it takes 45 minutes for your body to process alcohol
• To Avoid Alcohol Poisoning
• Avoid overdrinking, slow your roll, alternate with water
• Avoid mixing substances
• Know if you are on medication that will lower your tolerance
• Eat before beginning to drink
• Consider only having at most one drink per hour

Know the signs

• Blackout, dehydration or flushing, amnesia, mental confusion or unresponsiveness, sickness or vomiting, aggression or a lack of self-control, melancholy, euphoria, problems with coordination, fast involuntary eye movement, or slurred speech are all signs to watch out for.

To maintain Sobriety if attending

• Have a recovery plan
• Identify your triggers and know how to tackle them
• Set boundaries for interacting with family and friends that may be there or want to go with you that are not supportive or potentially triggering or just need firmer boundaries with
• Go with peers and family members who support your recovery
• Stay in touch with recovery groups, ask someone from your group to come with you so you can stay focused on maintaining your recovery.