University Of Alaska Anchorage: National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage:

October 25, 2021

Music TriviaWednesday, Oct. 27, 6-7 p.m. on ZoomCelebrate sobriety and sober artists and win prizes. Register here!

Just The Facts (& Snacks)Wednesday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Rasmuson Hall, LobbyThursday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-noon, Social Sciences Building, LobbyStop by our table for giveaways, resources and information on safe drinking.

The University of Alaska Anchorage is committed to comprehensive alcohol misuse and
abuse prevention efforts year round. This week, UAA will join thousands of campuses
across the country to observe National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week. We would
like to take this opportunity to bring attention to the serious consequences of alcohol
misuse and excessive drinking to promote a culture of responsibility within our community.

A standard drink of alcohol is defined as 1.5 oz of liquor (40% ABV), 5 oz of wine
(12% ABV) or 12 oz of beer (5% ABV). Binge drinking is defined as consuming 5 or more
drinks (male), or 4 or more drinks (female), in about 2 hours. Binge drinking over
time increases the risk of many chronic diseases and violence and, over time, can
impair short- and long-term cognitive function. Binge drinking is associated with
a wide range of health and social problems, including sexually transmitted diseases,
unintended pregnancy, accidental injuries and violent crime.

The 2018 Core Survey found that 15% of UAA students have reported experiencing negative
consequences from alcohol and drugs within the past year including: trouble with police,
fight/argument, DUI and vandalism.

In 2018, 15% of UAA students also reported a serious personal issue within the past
year including: suicidality, being hurt or injured, trying unsuccessfully to stop
using, and sexual assault.

It is important to understand the consequences and also how to reduce risks associated
with alcohol consumption. The Center for Disease Control offers guidelines for moderate drinking.

Our partners at Recover Alaska offer a free and confidential online screening tool that can help you assess if alcohol might be negatively impacting your life and whether
a more thorough evaluation is warranted. The website can also help you find resources
across Alaska that can help. The Alcohol, Drug and Wellness Educator on campus can
also offer alcohol screenings over the phone or zoom for anyone in the UAA community.
Please contact the UAA Alcohol, Drug and Wellness Educator, Brittney Kupec, for further
information or questions at bkupec@alaska.edu.

In need of help right now? Call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author’s own.