Editor,
For those who regard drinking and getting drunk as a harmless rite of passage, a thoughtful reading of Thursday's Daily Lobo should dispel any such illusions. Contained in this single issue are three separate accounts detailing the negative impact of alcohol misuse: a bust by campus police of a drinking party in a student residence center, an alcohol-fueled brawl at the Frontier and a student's letter recounting the connection between intoxication and unsafe sex practices that may have resulted in an 18-year-old's unintended venture into parenthood.
In one situation, 15 students gathered in a campus apartment with two 18-packs of beer and two bottles of liquor despite a longstanding UNM policy of alcohol-free residences. The party's elevated noise levels, presence of underage consumption and an abundance of alcohol demonstrate the impaired decision-making caused by alcohol, as well as the students' comfort level with violating campus policy and state law. This points out the strong need for consistent and meaningful consequences.
Holding individuals accountable for their actions in this type of incident can avert more serious situations, such as what occurred at the Frontier. The aggressive vandalism of the 50-some patrons at the Frontier is further testament to the erosion of rational thought and behavior associated with alcohol intoxication. What else can explain the outrageous behavior of people who stand on tables and recklessly throw plates, utensils and other items at artwork, walls and other people? And who, besides an intoxicated or mentally ill individual, would do so in the presence of security officers and police? I'm willing to bet that many of the individuals involved in this brawl were shocked at their own actions the next day.
The Campus Office of Substance Abuse Prevention strives to provide students with the information they need to make wise choices regarding alcohol. This is part of our mission and a responsibility we take seriously. However, we recognize that having accurate information does not necessarily lead individuals to adopt responsible and health-promoting behaviors. The decisions individuals make are influenced by an array of variables, including their peers and family, as well as community norms, laws and policies.
Alcohol problems, including underage drinking, are a community problem rather than a simple matter of individual responsibility. Students and others' expectations and beliefs about alcohol, as well as their access, consumption and related behavior, do not take place in a vacuum - these behaviors are acted out in the environment we all share and shape.
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Progressive institutions understand that effective alcohol-abuse prevention requires a multidisciplinary, community-oriented approach in which various university and community entities cooperate in setting expectations for behavior by students, both on and off campus. Meaningful and consistent consequences are required when those standards of behavior are breached. Through the collaboration of police, University administrators, prevention staff, alcohol merchants, students and other interested persons, we can build a safe and affirming community for all.
Jill Anne Yeagley
Program manager
UNM Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addiction
