Alcohol and Drug Risk Reduction Team

The Alcohol and Drug Risk Reduction Peer Health Educators take a unique, non-judgmental approach in teaching skills to reduce risks and avoid unwanted consequences related to drinking. The Alcohol and Drug Risk Reduction Peer Health Educators separate the myths from the facts about drugs and alcohol and the consequences of using and they also support students who have made the choice not to use.

Main messages:

• You can learn to avoid unwanted, unintended consequences while having a good time.
• The more we use alcohol and other drugs, the more we increase our risk for unwanted and unintended consequences. Increase the quantity; increase the risk.
• In general, students who drink heavily have the lowest GPA’s at Western.
• Students can have a complete and enjoyable college experience without drinking or using drugs.
• Substance free housing is a choice for Western students.
• Most Western students support Western’s alcohol and drug policies.
• Most Western students drink responsibly but they believe their peers do not.
• Alcohol and drug problems do not start or stop at the borders of Western.
• Alcohol and drugs are cultural issues. Alcohol and drugs are global issues, not just a Western concern.

Alcohol and Other Drug Programs facilitated by PWS Peer Health Educators

1) Alcohol 101

Program modules are available for request either by themselves or in combination.

• Options and Choices: WWU Norms; abstinence and reducing risks associated with drinking.
• What Is One Drink? More than you think: Serving sizes, alcohol percentages of different beverages, and container sizes.
• Alcohol and The Body: Where it goes and what it's really doing.
• The Mystery of Blood Alcohol Level: What it is, how to calculate it and why it is important to know.
• Gender Differences: How alcohol affects men and women differently.
• Alcohol and Drug Interactions: Prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and alcohol.
• Legal Risks: MIP, DUI, and fake ID and their consequences.
• Moderation Tips: Skills to reduce risk and negative outcomes.
• Myths and Misperceptions: Addresses the myths students often hold about alcohhol consumption in the college environment. Dealing with alcohol emergencies.

2) Life of the Party

Students learn how to recognize an alcohol emergency and receive training to make split-second decisions that could save another person's life.

The Steps to Schedule an Outreach Program:

1.ontact speakers bureau coordinator at least seven days (preferably more) in advance of requested program date.Contact us at 650-2993.
• 2.Provide the following information:
• Contact Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Requested Program
• Requested Program Dates
• 3. The Staff Coordinator for that topic area will email you or return your call to confirm with you. At that time you will be able to discuss any particular program needs.
• 4. After your request has been confirmed, please help us make the program the best it can be by advertising! Let us know if you need help or ideas.

If you don’t see a topic you are interested in listed here, please follow the procedures for scheduling an outreach program to let us know, and we’ll see what we can come up with. Contact us at 650-2993.