This week's Super Bowl between the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers is a time many will celebrate by watching the game with family, friends and co-workers. While having alcohol at parties can enhance the experience, it also can place you and others at risk if drinking gets out of hand.
The University of Wyoming Police Department and the Alcohol Wellness Alternatives, Research and Education (AWARE) Program (www.uwyo.edu/aware) offer some hints to ensure safety.
-- Stop serving drinks at least one hour before the end of the event. Instead, serve coffee, non-alcoholic beverages and desserts at that time.
-- Recruit people ahead of time who will not be drinking to help ensure that everyone has a safe ride home.
-- Volunteer to be the designated sober driver.
-- Have a friend let you know when you have had enough.
-- If the guest insists on driving despite obvious intoxication, take the keys, ask for help from other guests, or temporarily disable the car. If all else fails, say you will call the police and do so.
-- Drive with caution on the way home, and be aware of winter conditions.
The University of Wyoming works to promote the safe, legal and responsible use of alcohol through the AWARE program. Housed within the University Counseling Center, AWARE promotes personal wellness through guidance, education, research and collaboration focused on healthy choices about the use of alcohol and other drugs.
For more information, contact Lena Newlin, AWARE Program coordinator, at (307) 766-2187 or e-mail lnewlin@uwyo.edu.
