“If you don’t like acid, meth, crack or weed, I don’t know why you’re in Eugene.”
Those words, spoken by a Eugene bum, definitely overexaggerate the situation in Eugene, but what no one can overexaggerate is the fondness people in Eugene have for partying.
Whether you choose to engage in any partying or not, you should still be aware of common mores and staples of the partying culture.
Is it OK to not drink at a party? Should I accept a drink that a stranger buys for me at the bar? A bong rip?
As a newcomer to Eugene, it’s good to know what to expect, because if you hang out long enough, you’re bound to see it all.

Drug culture

Eugene’s drug culture has its roots in the counterculture of the ’60s and ’70s. Ken Kesey and his band of Merry Pranksters promulgated the use of psychedelics, specifically acid, mushrooms and marijuana. These drugs were used during that time period as a way to bend perception and dig further into the human mind — much more constructive purposes than for mere recreation.
The prevalence of such drugs has stuck making Eugene a mecca for ‘inner space’ explorers and curious adolescents. What’s also come to Eugene in more recent years are harder drugs: meth and heroin.
Now, though it’s pretty unlikely that you’ll see anyone busting out a bag of crystal at a house party, it’s important to understand the negative impact of these drugs on Eugene and the rural Oregon community as a whole. In 2001, the number of meth lab seizures in Oregon was 587. By 2008, seizures dropped to 21, thanks to government regulations on precursor chemicals pseudoephedrine and ephedrine.
Many other drugs are prevalent around Eugene, and there are many local organizations fit to help if you have a serious problem. Of course, as with any serious emergency, calling 9-1-1 is a good option, but if someone has taken a drug and is having minor trouble, you might feel safer going down to White Bird Clinic on 12th Avenue.

Rave culture

There’s a very prevalent rave culture around Eugene, as well. On many a Friday or Saturday evening, it’s not unlikely to see colorfully decorated ravers outside WOW Hall waiting to get inside. For that matter, one needs only to go down to Eugene Station to find “kandi kids.” Literally, kids who wear multiple layers of rainbow-colored plastic beads in bracelets and necklaces all over themselves.
Despite these little tweaksters, raves around Eugene are a great time to dance the night away.

House parties

What you’ll come across more often than not in Eugene are house parties. Walk down 14th street on Halloween, or any Friday or Saturday night for that matter, and you’re bound to find people pouring into the streets out of houses, jovial drunks walking or stumbling around, and the watchful police on their bikes.
A couple standard things you should know before you decide to meander down and get in on the fun though: First off, it’s good to know someone at the party you plan on going to. Though this may seem pretty elementary, the amount of “randoms” that just show up to parties around Eugene is phenomenal. Knowing someone who knows someone is OK too, but just have some connection.
Second, if you do decide to drink, drink at your own pace, which may mean just having a beer or two. How much you decide to drink is always up to you, but it’s when you start being unable to handle yourself and others have to that you’ve failed.
Being “that” drunk girl or guy at the party isn’t really the coolest thing and can pose potential risks to your health and others around you, especially when you haven’t drank that much before in the past.
If you do happen to go over the edge, though, or more importantly, if a friend that you’re with decides to take one too many shots of HRD, “sleeping it off” isn’t always the best approach. If you seriously think someone’s life might be in danger, the Health Center has nurses on call at all hours that can lend you advice by calling 541-346-2770 and entering 1. However, dialing 9-1-1 is never a bad idea.
Plus, Sacred Heart Medical Center is right off campus at 1255 Hilyard St. and is the quickest and most effective way to get help for overconsumption.

Concerts

There are a ton of great concerts that come through Eugene every year. The Flaming Lips, Vampire Weekend, Willie Nelson and others will be playing in September. WOW Hall, McDonald Theater, and the Cuthbert Amphitheatre are all fantastic venues that attract artists from around the world as well as showcasing local Eugene and Oregon artists as well. Security at these events is able to pretty much handle just about anything they come up against and won’t hesitate to throw you out at a moment’s notice. Taking flasks, joints, cigarettes or anything else not deemed venue-appropriate is liable to get you ousted, as is overintoxication. Even looking as if you’ve had too much to drink or are tripping on something is enough.
Part of what makes Eugene so attractive is that, no matter what, something is always happening. Even if you choose not to drink or go crazy, there’s no reason to not enjoy a great party and hang out with friends or go to the occasional concert. Practicing moderation if you do choose to drink, however, is a must and is necessary for the assurance of your good time, your friends’ good time and your health.
Keep in mind
The University has a Student Conduct Code that includes policies regarding alcohol and drug use on campus. Alcohol is not tolerated in the residence halls for students under 21. Check your housing contract and the student handbook for more information about these policies. Most of all, be smart about what you’re doing on campus.
Instead of driving or riding your bike home after having a few drinks, call

Designated Driver Shuttle (DDS)
541-346-RIDE (7433) from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. every night
Visit www.uoregon.edu/~asuodds for more information.
How to spot alcohol poisoning:

• Passing out
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing
What to do about alcohol poisoning:

• If victim is conscious, make them drink water and keep them awake.
• If victim is unconscious, lay them on their side to keep them from choking on vomit or tongue.
• Do not be afraid to call 9-1-1 if the situation is life-threatening.
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