SHSU Sends 'Happy Birthday' Wishes To Students Turning 21

In order to remind students of the tragedies that occur when people are irresponsible with alcohol, Sam Houston State University is sending out special birthday cards to all Bearkats who are turning 21.

The cards congratulate students on reaching this milestone, but remind them that if they make bad choices, the consequences can be irreversible.

They also have information about how to tell if someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning, and the names and numbers of cab companies in Huntsville, Conroe, The Woodlands and Houston.

Many campus groups came together to make the program happen. Sam C.A.R.E.S, Student Services, Parents Association, Alcohol Abuse Initiative and the Office of the President all supported the birthday card idea, which has been operating on other campuses, like Texas A&M.

Dean of Students Mary Ellen Sims said that the cards contain the story of Michael Wagener, a student who died from alcohol poisoning, so that the reality of alcohol abuse is unavoidable.

“The picture is there to make it personal. Hopefully they’ll take the time to think about what an awful tragedy that was,” she said.

Michael Wagener’s parents, Susan and Bodie Wagener, became active in preventing alcohol abuse after their son died. Susan Wagener has spoken at SHSU and at other campuses in the area, sharing personal stories as well as educational information.

Students in the 21-25 year age group have the highest incidence of binge drinking, which Dr. Rosanne Keathley, the health education intern coordinator, said is newly defined as four or more drinks in a two hour period for women, and five or more drinks in a two hour period for men.

People in this age group also have the highest rates of drinking and driving, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration web site. It is important to note that their studies have shown that full-time college students binge and drink heavily more than part-time and non-college students.

Statistics also show that drinking increases dangerous behavior, such as increased drug and tobacco use. It can also facilitate the use of date-rape drugs and the occurrence of date rapes, since alcohol lowers inhibitions.

Keathley also warns that alcohol is an irritant.

“It affects every organ and every cell in the body… If somebody is going to be drinking alcohol, then do so in moderation. Eat a meal with protein and drink plenty of water between drinks. Don’t binge or chug, or leave drinks unattended.”

Signs that someone has a problem include: changes in work or school attendance, or worsening performance at work or school; unusual flare-ups of temper; withdrawal from responsibility; changes in grooming habits or appearance; spending more time with known substance abusers; borrowing money from friends, coworkers or parents; and possibly secretive behavior.

Students who need help have access to many services here on campus. The Counseling Center can evaluate and refer students for outpatient programs, if needed, and there are such programs on campus as BACCHUS, a peer education network; C.A.R.E.S., Caring Attitude, Responsible, Educated Service,; SHARPS, which offers counseling, especially after a disciplinary problem, and the Alcohol Abuse Initiative, which can provide information and educate. National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week is Oct.17-21. In Huntsville, Alcoholics Anonymous and Mothers Against Drunk Driving also offer education and counseling.

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SHSU Media Contact: Kelly Jakubowski
October 14, 2005
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