Students learned about alchohol content while playing mock drinking games. The UW-Platteville Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Education Program, University Counseling Services and the Grant County Drug Free Coalition are spreading awareness to UW-P students this week about the importance of safe drinking.

Alcohol Awareness Week kicked off on Monday with a carnation giveaway that took place outside the Pioneer Student Center. About 300 carnations were distributed to students with quotes tied to them reminding people to be more responsible about drinking.

AODA volunteer Katie Hodgson handed out carnations at the giveaway.

“I think it’s a nice way to get the word out on safe drinking, and what girl doesn’t love flowers?” Hodgson said.

“This is a good way to start up the week,” said Heather VonGlahn, a UW-P sophomore who received a carnation on Monday. “Handing out carnations brings up an issue that students normally wouldn’t think about.”

On Tuesday and Wednesday, an alcohol fair was held in the PSC. AODA, UCS, and the Grant County Drug Free Coalition teamed up and created booths to provide UW-P students with fun and educational games, as well as information about alcohol poisoning and safe drinking.

One game gave students a lesson on mixed drinks.

“This particular game was created to calculate the blood alcohol content of different drinks,” said Katie Tollefson, AODA Education Graduate Assistant and UMADD Coordinator. “A lot of alcohol can go into just one drink, and this game creates awareness as to what actually goes into certain drinks.”

Alcohol Awareness game night took place on Tuesday. Poker, Texas hold ‘em, obstacle courses, Dance Dance Revolution and bean bag toss were played by students; some of them even tried out the games with beer goggles on.

Thirsty Thursday sobriety tests are being held Thursday in the PSC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students can test their abilities by taking sobriety tests like walking the line, touching their nose and standing on one foot, all with beer goggles on.

To close Alcohol Awareness Week, UMADD is sponsoring a designated driver candy giveaway outside the PSC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Candy-filled cups with the slogan, “Get wacky not wasted this Halloween,” will be handed out.

“The main idea behind the Designated Driver Candy Giveaway is to make sure students think twice about drinking during the Halloween weekend and perhaps find an alternative activity around Platteville,” Tollefson said.

“Alcohol Awareness Week is a great time to have fun and receive important information in an exciting and non-threatening atmosphere,” said Tollefson.