Spring Break
The drinking dilemma
Sarah Cash
Issue date: 8/17/07 Section: News
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As students move to school and gain the freedom to celebrate, an old tradition - or bottle - is taken up. Alcohol consumption can be a fun social activity but also a dangerous and expensive pastime.
As students prepare for a week of celebrating, they shouldn't neglect an important aspect of pre-gaming - understanding the repercussions of their actions. "Welcome back" in the form of a monetary fine wouldn't be much of a welcome at all.
Despite the stress placed on avoiding alcohol-related incidents, a bigger concern takes top priority: safety. In the spirit of having fun, but also making it home every night, the WC offers a few things to remember before hitting the streets.
First, ponder the psychology behind consuming alcohol and decide whether or not you will drink any. Wendy Walton, Director of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Resource Center on campus, suggested that because movies tell you you're supposed to drink in college, many students arrive with misconceptions.
"Having fun doesn't mean swimming in a sea of alcohol," she said. "It's easy to get the idea as a student that people around you drink as much or more than you do if you're surrounded by them."
Dr. Richard Iverson, Chief of Staff at Beu Health Center, said misconceptions are furthered by alcohol advertising, which often shows being intoxicated as something socially acceptable.
"Our concern is that students do not put themselves in life-threatening situations," Walton said. "People need to learn how to handle alcohol and not drink to the point where their health and future are at risk."
The first destination for party-seekers is often the bars; unfortunately, only students age 20 or older are admitted, and alcohol is served only to those at least 21. While age requirements may be a drawback for some, students are most likely safer inside a bar than out.
Roger Ward, co-owner of The Forum/Two Dogs, highlighted the security measures taken at his own and many of the liquor establishments in town.
As students prepare for a week of celebrating, they shouldn't neglect an important aspect of pre-gaming - understanding the repercussions of their actions. "Welcome back" in the form of a monetary fine wouldn't be much of a welcome at all.
Despite the stress placed on avoiding alcohol-related incidents, a bigger concern takes top priority: safety. In the spirit of having fun, but also making it home every night, the WC offers a few things to remember before hitting the streets.
First, ponder the psychology behind consuming alcohol and decide whether or not you will drink any. Wendy Walton, Director of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Resource Center on campus, suggested that because movies tell you you're supposed to drink in college, many students arrive with misconceptions.
"Having fun doesn't mean swimming in a sea of alcohol," she said. "It's easy to get the idea as a student that people around you drink as much or more than you do if you're surrounded by them."
Dr. Richard Iverson, Chief of Staff at Beu Health Center, said misconceptions are furthered by alcohol advertising, which often shows being intoxicated as something socially acceptable.
"Our concern is that students do not put themselves in life-threatening situations," Walton said. "People need to learn how to handle alcohol and not drink to the point where their health and future are at risk."
The first destination for party-seekers is often the bars; unfortunately, only students age 20 or older are admitted, and alcohol is served only to those at least 21. While age requirements may be a drawback for some, students are most likely safer inside a bar than out.
Roger Ward, co-owner of The Forum/Two Dogs, highlighted the security measures taken at his own and many of the liquor establishments in town.
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