My group chose to reflect on the guest speaker lecture from class on September 4. Betria Stinson, alcohol and other drug health educator from the University Health Center, gave a presentation entitled "Alcohol and Drugs 101". Not only was her presentation extremely informative and helpful, but it was also interesting. Ms. Stinson gave a good amount of statistics and interesting facts throughout her presentation regarding alcohol and drug use, primarily among college students. She discussed signs and symptoms of drugs and alcohol use, different effects that drugs and alcohol can have on people, influences of drug and alcohol use, and highest risk groups of people using drugs and alcohol. However, the thing that we found most interesting was how she related drugs and alcohol not only to our age range, but to UGA's campus in particular. We found this to be interesting because, considering we are all students at the University of Georgia, this information "hits close to home" and we can all relate to it.
Ms. Stinson stated that the groups at highest risk of using drugs and alcohol on UGA's campus were first year students, athletes, and members of the Greek community. This fact caught my attention because I am in a sorority and a member of the Greek community. By being affiliated with a Greek organization, I am aware of the stereotypes that go along with it and the "party scene" that it often drags along with it. Ms. Stinson went on to say that UGA is considered a "party school", which many students may take pride in. I can see why being labeled a "party school" may seem fun or cool; however, I think it has a negative connotation as well. University Health Center surveys showed that 80% of students at UGA consume alcohol. I was shocked by that number.
While at times consuming alcohol can be deemed as "cool" or a way to fit in, it is also risky and can become dangerous.
In my opinion, the presence of alcohol impacts just about every student's life at the University of Georgia, and mostly any other college in the nation. Despite whether an individual chooses to consume alcohol or not is his or her personal decision; however, the existence of alcohol is always going to be there. There will always be an option for one to drink or not. Downtown Athens is made up of the majority of bars, pubs, and restaurants; all of their profits benefitting primarily from the sales of alcohol. As discussed by Ms. Stinson there are many influences on an individual when it comes to drinking alcohol, whether one be underage or not. This affects our lives socially, but also personally and morally. Maybe even on a deeper level for some who may have family history with alcohol abuse.
I think it important to our public health, especially as college students, to be aware of and understand the effects and consequences of alcohol. If an individual is going to choose to drink, I believe he or she should know what is actually being consumed. How much alcohol am I actually drinking? What is going to happen to me if I have one too many of these drinks? What is my body actually doing when I take a sip of this fruity cocktail? All of these questions have important answers to our own personal health and the overall public health of a college community, like Athens, Georgia.
I think that alcohol awareness is a topic that is pretty prominent among high school and college aged students, however we can never be too careful. What else can be done to inform young adults, even people of all ages, about the effects of alcohol?
Susan Knighten
Abby Musselwhite
Alli Hogan
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