National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week
by Brittney Kupec, Alcohol, Drug, and Wellness Educator |
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 consequence 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).
Follow the Student Health and Counseling Center on Facebook for daily facts about alcohol this month.
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