Programs target alcohol awareness, risks

Recent alcohol-related deaths on college campuses across the country make this year's Alcohol Awareness Week especially relevant for University students.

Marsha Benz, University Health Service health education coordinator, said the death of two college students from excessive alcohol use at Louisiana State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology this fall should be an eye-opener for college students.

"It is disturbing how it happens once and then it occurs again," Benz said. "Didn't anyone pay attention?"

This week's events, sponsored by UHS, the Substance Abuse Education Network and the Michigan State Medical Society, aim to increase awareness of the physical and legal risks that accompany alcohol use.

The programs are designed to increase student understanding of the effects of alcohol use and to offer tips on moderation.

Benz said these alcohol-related deaths continue because students do not pay attention to the potential deadliness of alcohol use.

"Alcohol can be lethal," she said. "We try to get the message out, but not everyone hears it."

Alcohol Awareness Week Student Coordinator Denise Sanderson said increasing awareness is the most important goal of the program.

"Since alcohol is a problem on most campuses, making students aware is the first place to start," said Sanderson, a Public Health second-year graduate student.

The program coordinators have changed the focus this year from a weeklong awareness campaign to an effort to educate students about the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption throughout the year.

Benz and Sanderson said it will be productive for students if the activities are spread out during the year to give them extended access to information. "We are changing the focus so that students can get resources throughout the year," Benz said.

As a result, the number of events during this year's Alcohol Awareness Week are fewer than in previous years, Sanderson said.

"Each month, student organizations plan an activity, rather than limiting them to just one per week," said Sanderson.

Benz said the involvement of various student groups stirs more interest among students.

"Peers talking to peers is effective," Sanderson said.

Benz said the recent deaths on college campuses has prompted her to change her attitude regarding substance abuse education. She said that although she avoids using fear messages when informing students, a minimal amount of fear might be useful in getting students' attention today.

"It has been shown through research that fear messages do not work," Benz said. "I usually don't do fear messages, but due to recent deaths (it could be effective)."

11-04-97