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Straight up facts on alcohol abuse

April 22, 2004

Photo of junior Stephanie Hold agreeing to fill out the alcohol screening questionnaireBeer doesn't have as much alcohol as hard liquor, so it's easier to remain sober if you drink more beer, right?

Wrong.

The fact is, a 12-ounce bottle of beer has the same amount of alcohol as a standard shot of 80-proof liquor or 5 ounces of wine. In conjunction with National Alcohol Screening Day earlier this month, campaigns were held nationwide on college campuses and at community centers to debunk myths about alcohol and to increase awareness on the dangers of alcoholism.

The campaign at SF State, organized by the National Council on Alcoholism and other Drug Addictions-Bay Area (NCADA) with help from 30 members of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, gave students the opportunity to take an anonymous alcohol screening questionnaire, talk one-on-one with a health professional and receive information on support and treatment services on and off campus.

"The number of alcohol-related problems on university campuses is soaring. Many students are not aware of the effects of binge drinking, for example alcohol poisoning. Drinking too much, too fast can lead to coma and death,” said Shelli Rawlings-Fein, director of the Information Center at NCADA. "With these campaigns, we hope to raise awareness and inform students of the risks of binge drinking."

Nearly 14 million Americans -- 1 in every 13 adults -- abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. About 1,400 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die each year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes.

"Some people drink way too much. Drinking is so much a part of college life -- it's the freedom of being away from parents, the newfound independence. The screening is a reality check," said Stephanie Hold, a speech and communication studies major who participated in the screening.

According to a study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Task Force on College Drinking, 25 percent of college students report missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on examinations or assignments, and receiving lower grades overall as consequences of their drinking.

Counseling, information and referrals are also available on campus through C.E.A.S.E. -- Creating Empowerment through Alcohol and Substance-abuse Education -- a program by the Counseling and Psychological Services. C.E.A.S.E. is located in room 205 of the Student Services building.

If you feel that you, a friend or family member may be at risk of alcoholism, more information is available at the NCADA-Bay Area Web site or call (415) 296-9900. NCADA-Bay Area has been providing prevention services for alcohol and other drug problems since 1957 and is staffed by professionals and volunteers.

-- Public Affairs Student Writer Audrey Tang with Christina Holmes

         

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Last modified July 27, 2004 by University Communications