Error processing SSI file

Coalition for Alcohol Risk Education

We CARE about the students at Murray State University!

The Coalition for Alcohol Risk Education was founded in 1999 with the mission to heighten awareness of risks associated with alcohol use and to provide a positive low-risk environment for the Murray State community. CARE is not about prohibition of legal, responsible alcohol use.

CARE is made up by a small group of concerned faculty, staff, students and community members. We welcome anyone who wishes to join the Campus Coalition with a vision to make our campus a safe place to study, work and play. (See Bylaws)

Reduction Strategies

Changing perceptions of students and the campus and local community of what the normal drinking patterns are is very important to changing behavior. It lets the student community know that it is okay not to drink or, if drinking, to do so responsibly.

CARE received a grant in 1999 that began the social norming process for the Murray State campus. Our first objective was to gather data about campus through a Core alcohol and drug survey. Using the results of the survey, we presented a poster campaign to campus which highlighted the positive message - " 72% of Murray State students drink 4 or fewer drinks per week." The second Core survey revealed that "73%" of Murray State students drink 4 or fewer drinks per week.

Alternative activities to alcohol use are another reduction strategy. Social settings are often associated with consumption of alcohol - often heavy consumption. By providing activities that do not stress alcohol use we hope to change the perception that alcohol used is directly linked to having a good time.

One area that CARE has put a lot of emphasis on is provision of programs that educate students on the effects of alcohol and the risks - physical and emotional that are associated to alcohol use. The Department of Public Safety provides programs using "Fatal Vision" goggles. This activity is popular with student groups - and - while entertaining, the goggles also demonstrate how difficult tasks are when under the influence of alcohol.

Another educational activity that has been promoted is Alcohol 101+. This interactive software program is being used in Freshman Orientation classes, for fraternity and sorority educational programs as well as programs in the residential colleges. The facilitators for Alcohol 101+ are predominately nursing students who have been trained to do this program.

Goals for 2004/2005

  1. Obtain grant from the Kentucky Network.
  2. Review current alcohol and other drug policy. Make suggestions to the administration for improvements to the current policy.
  3. Update social norming campaign using the data collected from the 2004 Core alcohol and other drug survey.
  4. Enlist the support of parents via use of "Postcards from Parents" campaign.
  5. Recruit new members for the Coalition.
    1. Particularly students
  6. Expand the Coalition mission to include tobacco and other drug use.
    1. Work with Calloway County Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (CCASAP)
  7. Increase student participation in prevention activities.
  8. Complete annual Core alcohol and other Drug Survey in March 2005.

Online Resources for Collegiate Behavior Related to Alchol & Other Drugs

Click on bulleted item in "location & description" to access resource.

Category of Resource Location & Description of Resource
Murray State University - related alcohol, tobacco & other drug (ATOD) information
Alcohol & the Body - Assess Yourself
  • How Alcohol Works - a must for all who choose to drink
  • Second-Hand Effects of high-risk drinking as reported by students
  • Real Time consequences of high-risk drinking as reported by college students.
  • Trace the flow of alcohol through the "Interactive Body"

    THE FOLLOWING TWO LINKS ARE FOR YOUR INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY THAT ANY DRINKING IS SAFE. DRINKING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IS UNLAWFUL FOR THOSE UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE. THESE LEVELS ARE ESTIMATES, AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BELOW THE LEGAL LIMIT FOR DRIVING. WE RECOMMEND NOT DRIVING AFTER ANY DRINKING AT ALL.

  • Ever wonder what your blood alcohol level (BAL) would be after an evening of partying? Visit the University of Washington for a gender sensitive, "specific" body weight chart that can be personalized with your name.
  • Visit a virtual bar to estimate your BAL after drinking different types of alcoholic beverages. You may find that all drinks are not equal!
Interesting Alcohol Facts
  • An Alcohol Primer - about alcohol, the facts surrounding alcohol and its consumption, and how to deal with someone who has drunk too much alcohol.
  • Calorie content of different brands of beer
  • Calorie Calculator for use when drinking alcohol
  • Alcohol IQ - test your knowledge of alcohol facts
"Reality Check"
  • College Life Skills & Alcohol Survey - a personal look at one's drinking compared to that of college students nationwide
  • e-Chug - a personal assessment of drinking that provides an objective look at risk [Click "demonstration version" under quick links]
  • How much is too much? - an interactive screening that provides personalized feedback
  • A Second Opinion - on the "how much is too much" alcohol screening
Changing Personal Behavior
  • How to moderate your drinking - This site discusses why someone should consider moderating their drinking; steps to accomplish the goal of moderation; and, how to keep a "diary" of drinking.
Miscellaneous Resources

 

Created and maintained by Health Services
Last updated October 22, 2004 2:39 PM
©Murray State University, 2004.

Direct comments and questions via e-mail to Judy Lyle

Questions via Regular Mail should be addressed:
Judy Lyle, RN-BC
Health Educator & Staff Nurse
Health Services
136 Wells Hall
Murray, KY 42071-3318
Phone: 270-762-3809
Fax: 270-762-3540