All are invited to attend “Alcohol Facts: Shatter the Myths,” an event on alcohol education organized by the Center for Developmental Neuroscience, Health and Wellness Services, and the Mental Health Counseling Program on Friday, Sept. 19 in the Campus Center (Building 1C) Green Dolphin Lounge from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
The event will include an interactive podium talk given by an expert scientist in the field of alcoholism. It will cover topics including risks associated with alcohol consumption, types of relationships with alcohol, FDA-recommended limits, drinking patterns in U.S. colleges, social versus problem drinkers, behavioral and physiological effects of alcohol on major organs, and, to finalize, strategies to reduce alcohol consumption, especially since alcohol consumption is an increasing problem among young college students (Journal of American College Health 50.5 [2002]: 203; Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs 14 [2002]: 23; Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs 63.3 [2002]: 263).
Also, this event will clarify many misconceptions about alcohol and will provide attendees with accurate information about its effects and consequences. During the discussion section planned after lunch, students will self-evaluate and identify their relationship with alcohol and determine if they are putting themselves at risk based on their drinking behavior.
The event is in line with recent initiatives of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and it will be added to the national Drug Facts calendar, giving it nationwide visibility. September is the beginning of the fall semester and it will be a great opportunity to educate new students about alcohol risks and myths in order to prevent future drinking-related problems at the College and in the community.
Learning Goals
At the event, students will be questioned about their habits and behaviors toward alcohol. They will self-evaluate their relationship with this widely used social stimulant. Attendees will learn, through fun quizzes and games, real information about alcohol and its consequences, with particular emphasis on the short- and long-term effects.
Students will get facts about the prevalence and incidence of alcohol use and risky behaviors. They will also learn about legal and standard limits, and the consequences of increased consumption. Psychological, mind-altering, and physiological consequences of drinking alcohol will also be discussed.
Some of the questions that will be answered in the event are:
-How does the brain communicate?
-What alcohol does to the brain?
-Is alcohol addiction a voluntary behavior?
-How does someone become addicted?
-Is becoming addicted just a character flaw?
-Are there effective treatments for addiction?
– How do I know if someone has a drug problem?
Attendees will acquire solid information to make educated decisions about alcohol. They will be given a copy of the book Alcohol: Shatter the Myths published by NIDA as well as plenty of Web resources to find more information and support. Students will also receive t-shirts, backpacks, and tote bags.
