The problem of Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking in College-Age Students

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol is the most abused and underestimated drug in the world. One of the destructive uses of alcohol we see is binge drinking in college. Parents need to recognize that college students, especially first year students, are at a significantly higher risk for alcohol-related problems than almost any other population.

ALCOHOL AVAILABLE + NO PARENTS NEARBY + DESIRE TO FIT IN = RISKY DRINKING.

While many students know some of the physical risks associated with alcohol, very few are aware of the legal, academic, and social consequences of high risk drinking. Watch or listen to your students closely during the first six weeks on campus, as that’s when they’re setting up their habits and impressions of what college life is like.

“Will My Child Still Listen to Me About Alcohol and Drugs?”

Your lifelong relationship with your student means that you have tremendous influence over the decisions he or she makes. This influence will continue even after your student has started college. Even though he or she is on the brink of adulthood, your college-bound student still looks to you for guidance and support. You are a primary influence in your students life and can create healthy and realistic expectations about behaviors around the use of alcohol and other drugs.

We encourage you to talk with your students about your expectations regarding drug and alcohol use and to continue the dialogue throughout their time in college. Although students may not bring up the topic, we encourage you to address it, as research shows that parents influence students’ alcohol-related beliefs.

So what do I say to my student about drinking and drug use in college?

In Your Discussions, There are Several Topics That You Should Be Sure To Address

Talk about how drinking affects people’s lives – and the areas your child cares about. For example, if they’re money-motivated, show them how much drinking really costs college students. If they’re an athlete, show how alcohol influences the body and brain. Speak to what they care about.
Clearly share your own position concerning your students drinking. What is okay, what is not, and why?
Ask what their boundaries are around substance us. What are they willing and not willing to do?
Discuss reasons for NOT drinking and the many negative consequences that can result from drinking. You can also show them examples and perspectives of people who choose not to drink or use drugs.
Finally, you need to make clear your willingness to help your son or daughter find constructive alternatives to drinking. Studies show that being involved in extra-curricular activities decreases the likelihood of dangerous drink

Do’s & Don’ts

Ask: Instead of always telling them what you think, ask what they think. This makes it more of an adult conversation instead of a lecture, which is a more effective way to influence.
Listen: Allow your student to speak without interruption. Listen to what she/he has to say. Sometimes a way to show you are listening is to paraphrase what you think she/he has said, “Let me see if I am understanding this. It sounds like you feel…”
Verbalize Respect: Whenever you can in the conversation, affirm your respect for your student. People who feel respected are often willing to talk more. Tell your student you are proud of him or her for being able to handle situations in the past around alcohol and drugs, or let your student know that you respect his or her thinking about these things ahead of time.
Choose a Good Time: It is best to find a time when your student is not going to feel rushed or trying to go elsewhere. Wait until you are both calm and have enough time to have a discussion. It could be over dinner, or you could take your student out for lunch or some other activity so you have him or her alone to sit and talk and listen to each other.
Try to Appeal Common Goals: Show that you care about your student’s health, wellness, and success. Discuss how alcohol and drugs may impact these things. Young adults are more likely to listen when they know you are on their side. Remind your student that you want him or her to get the most out of his or her college experience and that includes happiness and safety.

Don’t:

Don’t make it a lecture: Many students are open to dialogue but fear that the conversation will turn into a lecture in which they are told what is right and what is wrong. Your student might say, “I know what you will do if we talk, you’ll lecture me like you always do. Then if I argue, you will interrupt me.”
Don’t flex your power. The whole “I’m your parent and what I say goes” stops working when they move out. There’s not a great way to monitor their behavior away from home anyway. But you can still have clear consequences if you find out they’ve broken your rules or boundaries.

When Should I Talk to my Student about Alcohol & Drugs?

The conversations should start now! Transitioning to college can be stressful. Your student will be adjusting to a new environment, new social situations, and will have new opportunities to make healthy decisions. Be proactive and talk to them about the difficult decisions they will have to make when it comes to alcohol and other drugs. New College students are often homesick and can be easily influenced by others. Having conversations about alcohol and drugs before they leave home helps prepare students to make positive decisions.

Common Misperceptions

Myths:

My student is not interested in drinking.

My student has learned about the negative effects of alcohol in school.

At this point, my student should know better.

My student doesn’t listen to me.

Facts:

80% of Stanford students have consumed alcohol in the past year.

Although most students do learn some basic facts in health class, this education can be variable and we have found that many important issues never get covered.

Even if your student has had experience with alcohol before, college is a new environment with completely new social dynamics and norms that will make this experience unfamiliar to them.

Research shows that parents are extremely influential when it comes to their childrens’ decisions about alcohol and drugs.

The results of an American College Health Survey indicated that parents were the number one source that students turned to for health information.

Hopefully these tips help you share your thoughts and positively influence your child to stay safe during their time in college.

As a college drug and alcohol awareness speaker, I care deeply about this topic. College was a time where I learned new perspectives, found my values and solidified my beliefs.

It’s a crucial time for you to stay connected and enhance your relationship with your students. So feel confident, show you care and have the tough conversation. Wishing you the best!

If you’d like one of the best college alcohol speakers to visit your university for orientation, red ribbon week, drug and alcohol facts week or any other event, contact us at Party.0 and tell us about your school.

Sources:

https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh26-1/5-14.htm

https://highfocuscenters.pyramidhealthcarepa.com/how-to-talk-to-your-college-student-about-the-dangers-of-drugs-and-alcohol/

https://www.vectorsolutions.com/resources/blogs/substance-abuse-prevention-resources-how-to-talk-to-your-student-about-alcohol/

https://alcohol.stanford.edu/sites/g/files/sbiybj10421/f/parentguardian_guide_final_0.pdf

https://www.cornerstoneofrecovery.com/how-to-talk-to-your-college-student-about-drugs-and-alcohol/

https://www.cigna.com/individuals-families/health-wellness/hw/medical-topics/saying-no-to-alcohol-and-drugs-ug4813

https://www.csulb.edu/sites/default/files/groups/alcohol-tobacco-other-drugs/Documents/atod_csulb_parent_guide_ada.pdf

https://www.wcupa.edu/_services/counselingCenter/documents/Talking%20To%20Your%20College%20Student%20About%20Alcohol-%20Illinois%20State%20U.pdf

https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/Talking-with-college-students-about-alcohol.pdf