These are some of the facts communicated to participants in a new confidential online programme relating to alcohol consumption which is on offer to third-level colleges here.
Named “e-PUB”, acronym for “electronic Personal Use Barometer”, the programme is due to be rolled out today on a week’s free trial as part of National Alcohol Awareness Week.
NUI Galway (NUIG), which recently withdrew its support for the college’s rag week due to the volume of alcohol-related serious incidents, is a participant in the initiative.
Also collaborating are the national working group for alcohol in higher education and psychologists at San Diego State University in California, US.
E-PUB is based on a similar programme available in more than 400 campuses across the US, Canada and Australia, according to Matt Doran of NUIG student services.
Individuals logging on are not required to give any details of their identity, but are assigned a reference number which can be stored for future use to help them monitor their progress.
Mr Doran believes that pubs and clubs are targeting students during the current downturn, as exemplified by the recent rag week trouble in Galway.
“In Galway, we even had a situation where nightclubs were opening during rag week at 10am in the day.”
A section in e-PUB’s survey tests the respondent’s knowledge of the health risks associated with alcohol. It can calculate the chances of having a fatal accident based on current drinking patterns, and also points to the risk involved in mixing alcohol and high-energy drinks.
It also recommends strategies to tackle risky alcohol consumption and gives information on relevant support services.
E-PUB can be viewed free this week at interwork.sdsu.edu/echug/ie/IE and more information is available by e-mailing matthew.doran@nuigalway.ie.
Source, Lorna Siggins, The Irish Tmes, 10/03/2009
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