Thursday, March 10, 2011

Ventura College Psychology Club hosts anti-drinking event

Ventura College Psychology Club hosts anti-drinking event

Ventura College Psychology Club hosts anti-drinking event

Posted: 09 Mar 2011 06:26 PM PST

With pictures of bacchanalian excess the norm on reality television, it's an uphill battle to keep teens and young adults from drinking and driving.

That's why Lucy Capuano Brewer and the Ventura College Psychology Club held its third THINK – Think Before You Drink event Wednesday, a week before spring break. The Ventura College event had more speakers and demonstrations than ever.

"It's going beyond expectations. This is the third year and we've grown exponentially. I have had people come up to me and say, 'I'm starting my sobriety today,'" said Capuano Brewer, a psychology professor.

Dan Hicks, manager at Ventura County Behavioral Health, said that he joined other social services agencies with booths at the event because it's necessary to get the message out to the students.

"Our local data show young adults 25 and under show up more frequently with DUIs with higher blood-alcohol levels," he said.

Although out-of-control drunken antics have become the staple of such reality television as "Jersey Shore," Hicks said there is a secret weapon that can be used on a local level to discourage young people from drinking and driving.

"We have an advantage. These kids care about each other. There is a local truth and it's extremely well-received. These kids know it's real because everybody knows someone who has been hurt by drinking and that reality comes through loud and clear."

For some students at the college, the message is getting through. Jessica Montejano, 18, and Joseph Valencia, 18, watched the Ventura County Fire Department demonstrate the jaws of life extrication.

"I've never, ever thought of drinking and driving. My dad got it through my head," Valencia said.

"My mom said, 'You drink, you drive, you die,'" Montejano said.

"It's pointless," she added. "It takes as much effort to get drunk and get in a car as it does to call a cab or call someone to come get you regardless."

Tara Darling, president of the Psychology Club, said organizing the THINK event was also a personal endeavor.

"My sister is a current addict and she's struggling. For those on the outside, you feel so powerless to see them struggle," Darling said. "We give them the resources. People don't realize how they can destroy other people's lives. We want to put this in their minds before they do something."

Ted Prell, a criminal justice professor who helped organize the event, said the live demonstrations, which also included "beer goggles" and an obstacle course, have a positive effect.

"Look at the turnout. I think it's an important way of applying the present. We're trying to make don't drink and drive in a visual way of getting that message across," he said.

Dawn Reid, program coordinator for Project Interface, spoke in front of a standing-room-only crowd of students and made sure they understood the grim statistics.

"One half of violent crimes occur when people were using alcohol," Reid said, adding that, "alcohol does not a rapist or rape victim make. However, alcohol increases the chances of being a rapist or a victim."

Ernie Lorenzano, 18, and Janell Alvarez, 18, both tried on the "beer goggles," which are designed to simulate drunkenness. They were both glad to see the event happen ahead of spring break.

"Drunk driving happens and this is eye-opening," Lorenzano said.

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