This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

Skip Navigation skip menu and banner
University of Wyoming

What is AWARE?

AWARE stands for Alcohol Wellness Alternatives, Research, & Education. We are housed within the University Counseling Center and we promote the message of personal wellness via guidance, education, research, and collaboration focused on healthy choices about the use of alcohol and other drugs.

Unlike some substance abuse prevention programs that utilize fear-based approaches and promote a “just-say-no” message, the AWARE program takes a more positive approach and focuses on harm reduction. We recognize that college students are young adults who have the intellectual capacity to make responsible, informed decisions about their substance use. Therefore, it is the role of AWARE to provide students with accurate information regarding substance use and the skills necessary to reduce or eliminate harm.

AWARE’s Mission:
The AWARE program strives to utilize best practices in providing drug and alcohol education and prevention programming for the University of Wyoming campus and community. The AWARE program promotes a standard of wellness in regard to healthy choices surrounding alcohol use and the prevention of illicit drug use by college students.

What Do We Do?
AWARE works to address alcohol-related issues at three levels: 1) the University and surrounding community; 2) the student population as a whole; and 3) the individual student. More specifically, this is what we do:

1) The University and Surrounding Community: AWARE coordinates the A-Team, which is a campus-community coalition that works to develop, recommend, and assess best practices in policy, prevention and intervention, and enforcement to reduce underage drinking and excessive alcohol use. Some of the projects the A-Team has been involved with include policy recommendations to the Laramie City Council regarding alcohol, and working with local judges to curb underage drinking.

2) The Student Population as a Whole: AWARE provides alcohol education and skills training to UW students through various avenues. AWARE has developed a peer education program where UW students provide alcohol education to their peers. In 2005, AWARE partnered with the UW Athletic Department and received a grant from the NCAA to implement a peer education program for UW student athletes called Cowboy CHOICES. AWARE also provides skills training and alcohol education to numerous organizations, including members of the Greek community, Residence Halls, and other university departments.

3) The Individual Student: AWARE provides individualized alcohol education and skills training to students who have been referred to the program as a result of an alcohol-related citation. Students meet individually with an AWARE staff members, then complete approximately three additional hours of alcohol education tailored to the student's needs.

Why We Do What We Do:
At college campus across the U.S., on an average day approximately:

  • 4 students die ...
  • 1,370 suffer...
  • 192 are raped ...

* National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

 

AWARE - Alcohol, Wellness, Alternatives, Research, Education