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As your student completes AlcoholEdu, we encourage you to talk with him or her about alcohol use and abuse. A study conducted by Boise State University (2001) indicated that first-year college students had "lower drinking tendencies (and fewer) drinking consequences" when their parents "were educated about binge drinking and how to convey information to their teens, and then encouraged to talk with their teens just before" their students started college.
TALK WITH YOUR STUDENT ABOUT ALCOHOL
- Clearly state your expectations, thoughts, and values about alcohol.
- Expand the conversation to include personal safety, sexual activity, and drugs other than alcohol.
- Make it your family's goal to talk openly and honestly about these topics.
- Listen to your son or daughter in a non-judgmental manner.
- Let him or her know that at the University of Maryland, most students party responsibly, and
25% of Maryland students don't drink (National College Health Assessment - University of Maryland, College Park).
- Assert your expectation that he or she will follow the university's rules and regulations and utilize its safety resources.
- Be understanding of the fact that the transition to college can be difficult, and students will be trying to fit in with new friends.
- Remember that the inappropriate use of alcohol and other drugs often is a sign of deeper issues; don't be afraid to ask your son or daughter what might be going on.
- Stress to your son or daughter the importance of also looking out for others and knowing when to get help.
- Make sure your student is aware of all the legal penalties associated with underage drinking, fake IDs, driving under the influence, and other alcohol-related offenses.
- Share realistically your own experiences with
drinking, both positive and negative and your expectations
ASK QUESTIONS BEFORE YOUR STUDENT MOVES ON CAMPUS
- What role do you think alcohol will play in your college experience?
- What will you do if you’re with your friends and everyone is asking you to drink?
- What will you do if you find a student passed out in the bathroom?
- What are some ways you can tell others you do not want to drink or that you have
reached your limit?
- How will you handle a roommate that excessively drinks and parties?
CONTINUE TO ASK QUESTIONS AFTER YOUR STUDENT MOVES ON CAMPUS
- How are your classes?
- What’s your roommate like?
- What do you do for fun?
- What’s the social scene like? Are there a lot of parties, campus activities, etc?
- Do you like living in the dorms?
- Are you meeting a lot of new people?
- Do you see others making friends or drinking buddies?
- What can we do to help?
KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING
Call, email, or talk with your student frequently, especially during the first six weeks of the semester. Ask about academics, roommates or new friends, and social activities. Join your student on campus for Family Weekend (held each year during the fall semester) and ask to meet his or her friends.
EDUCATE YOURSELF
The websites listed below are informative, interesting, and provide useful tips for discussing college drinking with your son or daughter. According to research, first-year students are most at risk for developing problems that can arise from social pressure and experimentation with new behaviors.
Know the warning signs of problematic drinking & drug use. Some include:
- Drinking or using drugs to forget about problems or feel relaxed
- Having academic problems as a result of drinking
- Denial and/or lying about use
- Physical injury as a result of use
- Legal issues, such as driving while under the influence
- Difficulty remembering what happened as a result of drinking
- Frequently drinking more than intended
- Lying about use
HELPFUL LINKS:
CAMPUS RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
If you are concerned about your student with regard to alcohol (e.g., experiences academic problems, reluctant to speak with you or return your calls, resists talking about friends and social time), please feel free to contact any of the on-campus support resources listed below:
|
Alcohol Education |
301.314.8124 |
|
Counseling Center |
301.314.7651 |
|
Health Center Alcohol Counseling |
301.314.8106 |
| Parent Warmline
|
301.314.7674 |
|
Parent & Family Affairs |
301.314.8429 |
|
University Chaplains |
301.314.9893 |
|
University Police |
301.405.3555 |
Residence Hall Alcohol Policy & Practices
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy
QUESTIONS?
Email the
Coordinator for Campus Alcohol Programs | |
