The time for celebration is approaching. Private and company parties will cram people’s day planners. Along with the invitations come the choices of whether to abstain or drink in moderation. For some health care professionals, this time of year opens up the wounds of alcoholism. To increase the knowledge and awareness of alcoholism, MUSC is launching the National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness week with presentations and panel discussions.

Recovering health care professionals and representatives of various state organizations will address students and faculty within specific colleges on the devastating consequences of alcoholism. For example, Dale Finkbin, DDS, of the South Carolina Board of Dentistry will lecture on such repercussions in the dentistry field.

Parker Young, Ph.D., professor emeritus of Higher Education and graduate coordinator in the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia will discuss the legal issues and possible ramifications of hosting events that serve alcohol. Carol Wagner, M.D., assistant professor in Pediatrics and a representative of the American Medical Women’s Association will speak on the effects of alcohol during pregnancy.

The Graduate Student Association will host a panel led discussion on MUSC’s alcohol policy and proposed revision. The faculty and staff of the Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs will provide an opportunity for MUSC employees and students to examine the issue of alcohol use versus abuse.

Other events will present information on the role of alcohol and rohypnol in sexual assault. Ann Felder, Student's for Reproductive Health and Freedom, will be the guest speaker for the seminar.

Anonymous self-administered alcohol and stress test, references and MUSC's resources can be found on the Internet at <www.musc.edu/cdap/awareness>

Monday, Oct. 20 The Recovery Process: Perspectives from a Recovering Nurse 12:15 p.m., College of Nursing, room 104

The Recovery Process: Perspectives from a Recovering Pharmacist Noon, Basic Science Building, room 302

Dentistry: The State Practice Act and Alcohol Abuse Dr. Dale Finkbine, SC State Board of Dentistry Noon, Basic Science Building, room 435 Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Dr. Carol Wagner, Assistant Professor-Pediatrics, American Medical Women's Association Noon, Basic Science Building, room 100

Tuesday, Oct. 21(free luunch) Alcohol and the Law: Legal Issues of Serving Alcohol Dr. Parker Young, Professor of Higher Education, University of Georgia Noon, Basic Science Building, room 100

Wednesday, Oct. 22 (free lunch) Interactive Forum: MUSC's Alcohol Policy Joe Good, General Counsel Dr. John Freedy, Counseling and Psychological Services Robin Hardin, Director of Student Programs Noon, Basic Science Building, room 100.

Thursday, Oct. 23 (free lunch) Interactive Forum: Health Awareness; The Use and Abuse of Alcohol Noon, Basic Science Building, room 100