#14DaysDry: What Can You Do Instead?

After a long day, do you think to yourself, “whoa – I need a _________.” (Insert here: beer, a glass of wine, hit of a joint, a night out, something else?)

It is tough being a student, but it is important to feel your best.

#14DaysDry aims to increase awareness about addiction and generate support for those struggling with dependence or addiction to alcohol and substances. For 14 days this February, Ryerson Student Affairs is challenging you to think about your substance consumption, and are hosting a series of events and activities across campus. We challenge you to ditch alcohol and any non-medically necessary drugs for two weeks. Becoming more conscious of our own habits will allow us to develop more compassion for those struggling with addiction.

So, how can you get involved in #14DaysDry? From February 23rd to March 7 there will be various activities and chances to participate and win prizes. To win, you must drop by any three programs and get your participation card stamped!

Prizes include Loblaw’s gift cards, taxi chits, KIND products, VIA Rail gift cards and Ryerson swag! Attend 3 events and drop off your card at the Housing & Residence Life Office in Pitman Residence or AskMeRU desk in POD 60!

Copies of these cards will be available at all events.

Check out the calendar and list of descriptions:

Therapy Dogs

Monday, February 23 12:00 – 1:00 pm – PIT 110
Canine jumps, spins, licks and wags can go a long way toward relieving the stress associated with being a student. Take a ‘paws’ from your studies and relax with a visit to the RU Therapy Dogs.
(Hosted by: Centre for Student Development & Counselling)

Your Budget: Does Alcohol Fit?

Tuesday, February 24 1:00 – 3:00 pm – POD-60 Lounge
What are your top 5 expenses as a student? Does alcohol fit within this this budget? Drive-thru this quick program to give you insight on your financial wants vs. needs as a student to bring awareness and influence financial planning as a student.
(Hosted by: Housing & Residence Life and Ryerson Residence Council)

Mindful Yoga

Wednesday, February 25 and Wednesday, March 4th
5:00 – 6:30 pm – PITMAN 200
Join us, at any experience level, to relax and focus on you through a one hour yoga session. Mats will be provided, and we will be starting at 4:45 pm. Namaste.
(Hosted by: Housing & Residence Life)

Let’s Get Physical LTPB

Thursday Feb 26th, 1:30pm-2:30pm – POD60 Lounge
Where there is Wii there is Just Dance, and Mario Cart! How coordinated are you really after a few drinks and a smoke? Come have some fun with the Beer Goggles and show off your dance moves. You can also find out how much carbon monoxide you have in your lungs.

What’s in a Real Drink?

Monday, March 2 1:00 – 3:00 pm – POD-60 Lounge
Have you ever poured ‘a drink’ for yourself or someone else? Were you measuring how much alcohol – whether it is spirits, liquor or beer – was going into the glass? Do you eyeball it? Join us for this stop-and-go, short program to measure what your perception of a drink is to reality.
(Hosted by: Ryerson Residence Council and Housing & Residence Life)

Slammin’ with Style: #14DaysDry Poetry Slam

Tuesday, March 3 6:30 – 9:00pm – LIB 72
There’s tremendous power in words. Join us for the “Slamming with Style #14Days Poetry Slam” hosted by Student Life Programs and Poetic Exchange. All Poems will be judged with the best poet winning a grand prize worth $100! Sign up on the day of or email abisnaut@ryerson.ca to participate. Don’t Slam? Don’t Worry! All are welcome for this free event.
(Hosted by: Student Life Programs and Poetic Exchange)

Discussion Group: Could My Drinking Be a Problem?

Thursday, March 5 2:00 – 3:00pm – SHE 676
Talk about drinking and addiction with your peers and trained professionals in a safe and welcoming environment.
(Hosted by: Ryerson Centre for Student Development and Counselling)

Join the conversation using #14DaysDry, challenge yourself to think about alcohol and substance addiction, and support your friends.

If you think you need help or want to talk to someone, Ryerson has support services available to you. Find out more from Ryerson’s Centre for Student Development and Counselling: Telephone (416) 979-5195 or website: http://www.ryerson.ca/counselling/

#14DaysDry is a collaborative project brought to you by:

Residence Life and Housing

Ryerson Health Promotion

Student Life Programs

RU Student Life and Student Affairs Creative

Check out this video about standard drink portions, you might be surprised to learn what’s what.