"The focus of National Alcohol Screening Day is to give students the facts they need to draw the line for themselves," said Babs Quincy, counselor at Westminster College.  "Most students drink responsibly, but too many do not realize the potential costs of risky drinking, the signs of alcohol poisoning, or how even a moderate amount of alcohol can interact with common medications and affect academic or athletic performance."

Westminster has a comprehensive wellness program that is required for all students, and it includes educating students about high-risk behaviors.  Westminster's proactive approach to substance abuse prevention was one of only 35 nationwide to be recognized by The Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage Character Development.

Although statistics indicate that college drinking is down from a decade ago, recent studies show that frequent binge drinking - defined as drinking five or more drinks in one sitting for men, four for women, three or more times in a two-week period - has increased over the past ten years.

"Drinking during the college years is often seen as a rite of passage, but it can lead to more than a nasty hangover," said Quincy.  "Binge drinking can result in disciplinary problems, poor academic performance, property damage, risky sexual behavior, physical injury, illness and even death."

During Alcohol Screening, students will have the opportunity to fill out a brief, anonymous self-assessment form asking about drinking habits and if their behaviors have changed as a result of drinking.  In addition, students will hear an educational presentation on alcohol problems, and have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with a health professional, and if appropriate, will be directed to services on campus or in the community for further evaluation.

This event is being sponsored by the Westminster College Athletic Department and the Westminster Counseling Center.

For more information, contact Quincy at (724) 946-7340 or e-mail quincybi@westminster.edu.

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