If you have a teenager heading off to college, parents are asked to start the conversation about alcohol use now.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the first six weeks of a student’s first year in college are a vulnerable time for underage drinking and harmful alcohol-related consequences. This is due to the social pressures students may face at the start of the academic year.
“Keep in mind when it comes to substance use, parents are the most important influence,” said Sheri Dawson, director of the Division of Behavioral Health. “That’s why it’s important to talk — and listen — to your teen. Talk about the short- and long-term consequences and effects drugs and alcohol can have on their mental and physical health, safety, and ability to make good decisions. And most importantly, help your teen draw up a plan to avoid alcohol and drugs.”
The consequences of harmful and underage drinking by college students are more significant, more destructive, and more costly than many parents realize. The most recent statistics indicates that drinking by college students ages 18 to 24 contributes to an estimated 1,519 student deaths each year.
Parents can help by:
Looking for opportunities to raise the topic of alcohol naturally. Talking about majors and course selection can easily lead to a conversation about how alcohol use can disrupt academic success and career options. Emphasize that any decisions about alcohol need to be made in accordance with the law and their health.
Housing selection can generate discussions about substance-free residence halls. Discuss ways to handle situations where alcohol use by other students might create a problem, such as interrupted study time or unwanted sexual advances.
Emphasize that no matter where alcohol is available, underage drinking represents a risk and a choice that has consequences. Inquire about alcohol-free spaces and sober tailgates at the school.
Discuss reasons not to drink. Explain the risks of alcohol, and appeal to your teen’s life goals. If you have a family history of alcoholism or drinking problems, be honest. Explain that your teen might be more vulnerable to developing a drinking problem.
Teach your college student to never leave any drink unattended—whether or not the beverage contains alcohol. And don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know, especially if you did not see where it came from.
Realize that your college-bound student will most likely be in a social situation where drinking is happening, and some of the people they are with could be of legal drinking age. Discuss strategies your teen can use to refuse to drink alcohol in these settings.
Be prepared for questions. Your teen might ask if you drank alcohol when you were underage. If you chose to drink, share an example of a negative consequence of your drinking.
Remind your student that drinking to cope with stress, to forget problems, or to try to feel comfortable in a situation that feels unsafe or threatening is never a good idea.
Make sure students know the signs of alcohol overdose or an alcohol-related problem, and how to help. Signs of an alcohol overdose include slow or irregular (10 seconds or more between breaths) breathing, vomiting, mental confusion, slow heart rate, stupor, loss of consciousness or coma, and bluish or pale skin.
Help is available. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out to:
Your faith-based leader, your healthcare professional, or student health center on campus.
Nebraska Family Helpline – Any question, any time. (888) 866-8660
Rural Response Hotline, (800) 464-0258
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (oprime dos para Español) or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 from your landline or cell phone.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)