The University of Colorado at Boulder's Counseling and Psychological Services and the student-run Oasis group will present the first Sobriety Weekend Challenge Sept. 24-27.
CU-Boulder students are challenged to 96 hours of abstinence from alcohol and illegal drugs and will be provided alcohol- and drug-free options for socializing and recreation. Students will have the chance to experience a lifestyle that defies alcohol and drug use as the norm, said Matthew Tomatz, substance abuse program coordinator at Counseling and Psychological Services.
"I'm hopeful that people will take the challenge to explore what their weekend might be like if they choose not to use alcohol or illicit drugs," said Tomatz. "It's intended to be fun and to inspire creativity for social connection."
Substance abuse can lead both to serious and subtler issues for college students, according to Tomatz.
"Some problems that result from substance abuse may be quite significant including death, injury, assault and sexual abuse," said Tomatz. "Others may be less obvious but harmful to one's academic performance and/or relationships."
Oasis was established in the spring of this year and serves campus with support and outreach for those exploring sobriety. Oasis has organized the sobriety weekend lineup and Housing and Dining Services and the Recreation Center will sponsor some events. Students also may plan their own activities, as noted on the Oasis Web site.
"Oasis wants to offer an alternative to the party scene," said Colleen Hackett, CU-Boulder doctoral student in sociology and an Oasis member. "Individuals can use this weekend as a source of reflection and realize they can have fun without getting wasted."
Sobriety Weekend Challenge kicks off with a Mario Kart 64 video game tournament on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. inside Hallett Hall. Housing and Dining Services will sponsor the event and free prizes and snacks will be available.
Beginning Friday, Sept. 25, at 5 p.m. the Recreation Center will offer free entrance throughout the weekend to the Rock Climbing Gym and a number of classes and matches including sports conditioning, cycling, soccer, swimming, volleyball, softball and rugby.
A group viewing of the movie "Food, Inc." will take place Friday, Sept. 25. The group will gather at 6:30 p.m. near the buffalo statue outside the Muenzinger Psychology and Biopsychology building. The group will proceed inside for the International Film Series screening which begins at 7 p.m. Students also are invited to dinner and discussion following the film. Participants should bring enough money to cover the cost of movie admission and dinner.
Housing and Dining Services will sponsor a Capture the Flag match on Friday, Sept. 25, at 8 p.m. outside Aden Hall.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, Sobriety Weekend Challenge participants are invited to a picnic at Eben G. Fine Park located at 101 Arapahoe Ave. The group will meet at 10:30 a.m. at the covered pavilion and attendees should bring their own food or may bring a dish to share. Recreational activities such as hiking, biking, Frisbee or tag will take place based on group interest.
A community hike of the Flatirons is slated for Sunday, Sept. 27. The group will meet at 9:30 a.m. next to the ranger's cottage at Chautauqua Park, located at 900 Baseline Road.
A confidential form to pledge to the 96 hours of sobriety is available at the Sobriety Weekend Challenge Web page. Signatories are asked to complete their name, e-mail address, age, sex, frequency of alcohol or drug use and reason for taking the pledge. Also, an option to be placed on the Oasis mailing list is provided.
"I really encourage people to actually take the pledge online so that it becomes more real that way," said Tomatz. "Taking the pledge is a way of growing a CU community that promotes connection and well-being."
Students also are invited to attend regular Oasis meetings each Friday at 3 p.m. in Willard Hall room 231.
"We're welcoming of all students including those who have either been sober for a while or those who are questioning their drug or alcohol use and want to see what sobriety is all about," said Hackett. "We're very open to all students and we offer a safe environment during our meetings."
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