Wellness Center brings sexual, alcohol awareness to SIUC

Matthew McConkey
Daily Egyptian

One of five college students abandon safe-sex practices when under the influence of alcohol, even those who protect themselves when sober, according to the American Council for Drug Education. Ebony Burnett, a freshman from Bartlett studying pre-law, said she has seen similar results in friends who have partied then had unprotected sex and sometimes ended up pregnant. "That night of partying turned into a lifelong commitment," Burnett said. Burnett said parents are not here to watch over their college students, so students should be extra cautious.

"Although that cup of drink tastes good, think about what you are doing because you could end up in bad situations," Burnett said. Coordinators from the Wellness Center collaborated Monday to inform students on the dangers of sexual activity while under the influence of alcohol with their sex-education seminar, titled "Sex on the Rocks," part of the events for Women's History Month: Celebrating Women Changing History. Ken Culton, coordinator and clinical counselor for the Alcohol and Other Drug Program, said students need to avoid situations where they can become victims when alcohol is involved. According to the CORE Institute, SIUC's research assessment and development organization, 11 percent of the college population has been taken advantage of sexually as a consequence of drinking. "Alcohol, by its nature, impairs perception and clouds judgment ability," Culton said.

Culton said he has watched students leaving his night class before and noticed students will park under lights or walk in groups to protect themselves and said the same needs to be done when students plan to go out on the weekend. The CORE Institute also found that 53 percent of students reported that alcohol use facilitates sexual opportunities. Christy Hamilton, sexuality education coordinator, said she is pushing for students to think before they drink. Students should ask themselves questions such as, "Am I going to drink, and if I am, will I be in a situation where I can account for myself and my friends?" These types of questions should be going through their heads before they set out for the night, Colton said.

Hamilton and Culton presented facts such as 77 percent of college students across the nation reported that alcohol helps them "break the ice" in social situations. "Alcohol can be used as a social lubricant," Hamilton said. Culton said this can lead students to made poor decisions when it comes to drinking alcohol and combining sexual activity. "If you choose to drink and plan to be in sexual situations, which can happen, take precautions," Culton said. Students believe that when they go out and party, nothing bad will come of it, Culton said.