Parents
Most college students make responsible decisions about the use or non-use of alcohol. However, we also know that:
Availability of Alcohol + Absence of Parents + Desire to fit in = Potentially risky drinking decisions.
One of the most powerful things you can do to prepare your student for the college environment is to talk with them concerning their alcohol use or non-use.
The misuse of alcohol by underage students and by students over 21 remains a problem for some in spite of the laws, campus policies and college programs.
- Your Expectations
- Conversation Starters
- Supportive Questions to Ask
- Important Topics to Discuss
- Low Risk Drinking
- High Risk Drinking
Share realistically your own experiences with drinking, both positive and negative. Be clear in what you expect from your son/daughter about such things as:
- Attending class
- Drinking and driving
- Financial responsibility
- Choices regarding drinking
- Study time vs. social time
- Staying in touch
Here are some conversation starters you may want to use:
- How will you decide whether or not to drink at college?
- What will you do if you find yourself at a party with only alcohol to drink?
- What will you do if your roommate only wants to drink and party?
- What will you do if you find a student passed out in the bathroom?
- How will you handle it if you are asked to baby-sit someone who is very drunk?
Since the first 6 weeks of college are a very high-risk time for first year students you may want to call, write or e-mail frequently and be supportive. Ask some questions such as:
- How are you doing?
- Do you like your classes?
- What is the party scene like?
- What kind of activities are available?
- Are you enjoying residence hall life? Why?
- Do you see others making friends or just drinking buddies?
- How are you getting along with your roommate?
- Are you feeling overwhelmed?
- What can we do to help?
And don't forget these very important topics:
- Family beliefs and values regarding alcohol
- How to get help on campus
- How to refuse a drink
So, when talking to your son or daughter about their choices with regard to alcohol, you may want to discuss the difference between low-risk and high-risk drinking and abstaining.
- Thinking about whether you will drink, what you will drink before the party
- Being 21 or older
- Eating a meal before drinking
- Abstaining is the safest choice
- Drinking no more than one drink per hour; maximum 1 for women, 2 for men
- Always knowing what you are drinking
- Alternating alcohol-free drinks throughout the evening
- Knowing how you will get home safely before you go out
- Chugging, drinking games, shots (drinking anything out a of punch bowl, trough, hose or funnel)
- Drinking to get drunk (intoxicated)
- Driving after drinking or riding with someone under the influence
- Drinking too much too fast
- Going to parties where people drink too much
- Not knowing what is in your glass or leaving it unattended
- Mixing alcohol with medications or illegal drugs
This information was provided by The Century Council. The Century Council fights alcohol abuse and is funded by America's leading distillers. www.centurycouncil.org