OUR VIEW: Students need alchol education

The community surrounding Utah State University is not exactly one that supports the use of alcohol. Largely due to the religious makeup of our community, often little thought is given to the consumption of alcohol, or even the minority who consumes it.

This has its advantages. The number of students who drink at USU is much lower than the national average, making the number of students addicted to, or arrested because of, alcohol lower. Alcohol-related crimes, such as sexual assault or vandalism are also lower in our community.

However, the naivete that may surrounds alcohol has its drawbacks as well. Many students who do drink are unaware of the responsibilities and boundaries that come with alcohol use because they have been raised in communities with standards similar to USU’s. It is estimated that around half of students who choose to drink are choosing to do so unsafely. There are also students who are doing so illegally.

The problem is not alcohol – it is not even drinking. The problem is a lack of education about alcohol and responsible use.

There are many venues on campus who are striving to fill this challenge. Fraternities and sororities participate in educating their members. The counseling center offers information to students. The Student Health and Wellness Center is striving to decrease the number of students who use alcohol in an unsafe way.

Efforts have been good in the past, but will become even more affective as the Wellness Center puts to use a grant worth between $68,000-$72,000 per year over the next three years.

Despite the efforts of university organizations, however, students need to recognize it is their responsibility to become educated about the substances they put in their bodies. The effects these choices will have will last far longer than the time they spend on campus.