by Hayley McCullough
Daily Lobo
Alcohol and drugs can ruin your life, said Chelsea Mowrer, event coordinator of Red Ribbon Day.
"Not only could it be fatal to you and other people around you," she said. "You can lose your job, be kicked out of school and lose scholarships."
Organizers of Red Ribbon Day on Wednesday wanted students to see the negative effects of alcohol and drug abuse, Mowrer said.
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Red Ribbon Week happens every year nationwide.
"I think this event is important just so people can know of the consequences when they use alcohol and drugs," event co-coordinator Natanhee Winder said.
The Albuquerque Police Department had a DUI unit at the event, and students were able to try standard sobriety testing.
The event is a way to have fun while learning about drugs and alcohol, Mowrer said.
Student Aurora Pabian said she is a responsible drinker.
"I always make sure that when I am going out with a group of people that there is always a designated driver," she said. "If everyone else wants to drink, then I will go ahead and be the driver. That way, everyone is safe."
Events like Red Ribbon Day remind students about the risks of substance abuse, Pabian said.
"Sometimes people forget and don't realize how (drinking) does impact other people and the decisions that you make," she said.
Mowrer said it is important for universities to build awareness on campus.
"A lot of people drink at parties and do drugs," she said. "People need to make informative decisions. That's why we're here."
Alcoholics Anonymous, and UNM's COSAP were among the programs at the event.
Students were offered free HIV tests and peer-counseling.
Mowrer said it is difficult to educate students on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
"You can keep reiterating the same facts," she said. "You can go to classrooms and tell them to be safe but (that) doesn't necessarily mean that people are going to be safe about it."
Mowrer said she hopes Red Ribbon Day will help students make informed decisions about using drugs and alcohol.
UNM student Sergio Aguilera said events like Red Ribbon Day are unnecessary.
"It's not that important, because I don't think that many people will be interested," he said. "They're too busy."
Mowrer said substance abuse is a problem for students.
"I know several people who have had DUIs," she said. "I know people who are alcoholics. One of my friends just got out of rehab. It is definitely an issue."
