An alcohol awareness week took place on Oct. 24-25 at Utah State University.

According to Ryan Barfuss, a prevention specialist for the Health and Wellness Center, 74 percent of USU students choose to abstain from alcohol.

“Students are affected by alcohol whether they think so or not,” said Barfuss. “A roommate or a friend or someone they know may drink. We want them to be prepared in cases of alcohol poisoning; we just want everyone to be safe.”

The Health and Wellness Center had information booths and simulation activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the International Lounge of the Taggart Student Center.

“The Bear River Health Department has a booth, and there will be a lot of information about drunk driving and safe drinking practices,” said Margie Hegerhorst, Barfuss’s intern. “There will be a beer goggle activity to show how alcohol affects you, if you’ve never drank.”

Hegerhorst said the activities will be applicable to students who choose to drink as well.

“I drink, and I never realized how much it affected me until now,” said USU student Heidi Justice, after participating in the beer goggle simulation. “But if these goggles are accurate to a .08 blood alcohol level, I am worried for the safety of myself and others.”

Being an experienced drinker, Justice was surprised to learn the alcohol standard drink size.

“A little alcohol impairs you much more than you think it does,” Justice said. “I have always thought I knew my own limits, but after reading the brochure, I feel like I drink a lot more than standard serving sizes.”

The week was also geared toward the prevention of drunk driving.

“The police department had an activity that simulated drunk driving,” Hegerhorst said. “It showed how you lose control when you drive with too much alcohol in your system.”

The Health and Wellness Center had hoped this week would be successful in educating USU students on safe alcohol consumption practices, according to Barfuss.

“We are not advocating abstinence from alcohol,” Barfuss said. “We are informing students how to drink responsibly if they choose to drink, and are of age.”

Barfuss also said there are resources beyond this week to get more information about alcohol consumption.

“We teach alcohol classes, but I’m also available to answer any questions students have, even if they just want more information, they can come talk to me.” Barfuss said.