The Women’s Center presented an informal discussion entitled “Dating Drunk – what’s the harm?” Tuesday evening to discuss various issues surrounding alcohol and dating.The role that recreational alcoholism retains in social settings is not a recent phenomenon. Its pervasiveness pertains not only to college students, but our culture as a whole. Even the minimal influence of intoxication envelopes various dimensions of people’s interactions- especially the dating scene.
“Almost all social and dating situations involve alcohol one way or another,” said Caitlin Spillane, a senior at West Chester University. “Alcohol is definitely an issue – good or bad.”
For decades, alcohol has been used to facilitate sexual assault. Today, it remains the substance most frequently associated with date rape, and the most easily accessible sedating substance.
“People are in denial that social drinking is threatening or dangerous,” said Robin Garrett, director of the Women’s Center and assistant professor of nursing at West Chester University. “Because it is socially acceptable, people render themselves susceptible to the dangers of not being completely aware of their environment.”
Alcohol contributes to both sides of sexual assault- offender and victim.
“It clouds our judgment and impairs our ability to respond to threatening behavior,” said Garrett.
The physical effects of alcohol depend on the individual’s dosage, metabolism, sensitivity and the presence of other drugs. Substance abuse can temporarily inhibit a person’s ability to remain awake and conscious, and can cause brief periods of impaired memory.
If above the legal age, alcohol can be used for its remedial effects when used responsibly and in moderation.
“There is a therapeutic and toxic dose of every substance – Advil, Tylenol; even water,” said Garrett. “Too much water can cause water poisoning.”
“In our culture, it is acceptable to fall down drunk,” said Garrett. “People voluntarily get sick and think it is cool. The question is, ‘how much is too much?’ More is not always better.”
The college environment supports many of these excessive behaviors that involve alcohol. It can also perpetuate conflicts, not only by increasing the possibility for sexual assault, but by clouding our ability to realize and react to potentially dangerous situations.
“If you would not drive drunk,” said Garrett, “why would you date drunk?”
For more information concerning alcohol and its effects on dating, visit the Women’s Center on the second floor of Lawrence Dining Hall.