Every year, thousands of college students engage in a timeless old tradition — spring break. Its no secret that spring break is widely known as a weeklong college party, and this year, popular destinations are taking precautions — banning drinking on the beach and instituting a drinking curfew — when it comes to alcohol consumption and combating binge drinking.

Binge drinking has long been a growing problem among college students, and spring break has been a public catalyst for the issue. According to a study by the Journal of American College Health, the average male reported drinking 18 drinks per day, and the average woman reported 10 drinks per day during their spring break. Meanwhile, more than half of all men and more than 40 percent of all women drank until they became sick or passed out at least once during their spring break.

"The threat is real during spring break when it comes to binge drinking," says Dr. Asher Morgan, substance abuse prevention coordinator at Pat Walker Health Center. "It's not that we are telling you not to drink, but to drink responsibly."

When it comes to drinking responsibly, Morgan suggests these five things to consider during spring break:

1. Set a Limit
   Before you go out, set a reasonable limit for yourself. Drinking shouldn't be a competition, so don't try to match your friends. Drink at a pace you are comfortable with, and remember you can feel the effects of alcohol in as little as 10 minutes, or sometimes longer.
2. Who's Your Buddy?
   No one should ever drink alone. Hang out in groups and always use the buddy system. Do not allow a friend to leave a party alone, and if you lose your buddy, ask for help. Spring break can be a chaotic time, so it's important to watch out for each other.
3. Don't Be That Person
   Avoid balconies, deep water and anything that could potentially harm you while intoxicated. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 1,825 college-age students die each year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries. Another half million sustain injuries under the consumption of alcohol.
4. Nothing Says Regret Like a Burning, Itchy Crotch… or Worse
   Half of all intoxicated spring break "hook ups" are unprotected. The responsibility of having safe sex is equal for men and women, so if you choose to have sex, make sure to use protection. A University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point survey found that 48 percent of students polled regretted their hook up. Well, catching syphilis, chlamydia or worse, sure helps add to that percent.
5. No, Jell-O Shots and Vodka-Soaked Cherries Are Not a Meal
   Make sure to eat a well-balanced meal before drinking alcohol. Drinking on an empty stomach can cause you to get drunk much faster and make you sick. Also, drink plenty of water during the week. Alcohol makes you dehydrated, so instead of that next drink, how about a glass a water instead!

For more health and safety spring break tips, go to www.safespringbreak.org.