WHAT PARENTS CAN DO

College is a turning point in the relationship between parent or guardian and son or daughter. It is a time when both parties are letting go of traditional and comfortable roles and looking forward to the future. But, your role as parent or guardian in the life of your college student continues to be significant. “We’ve all seen and heard horror stories about deaths and injuries caused by excessive drinking on campus,” College Parents Association President Richard M. Flaherty said. “As parents, you are frightened by these stories. You have every right to be. Student alcohol abuse can be addressed, just as we have reduced drunk driving on our nation’s roads. This fight will require college parents, students, universities and their communities working together.” It is imperative that parents talk to their sons and daughters about the personal and community impact of binge drinking.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

• Be prepared to initiate the discussion.
• Whenever possible, exchange information face to face rather than over the phone.
• Look for and create “teachable moments” such as television news, dramas, books, or newspapers that deal with substance use in college settings.
• If the teachable moment seems to arise because your son or daughter is intoxicated, do not try to initiate the conversation at that time. Wait until the next day.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Inform yourself about alcohol and the alcohol scene on campus; talk to your son or daughter about it.
• Make it clear that under-age consumption of alcohol and driving after drinking are both against the law.
• Openly and clearly express concerns about underage drinking and dangerous alcohol consumption (e.g., drinking games).
• Remind students that over-consumption of alcohol is toxic to the human body and can even lead to death from alcohol poisoning.
• Make sure your son or daughter is prepared to intervene when a classmate is in trouble with alcohol.
• Encourage students to stand up for their right to a safe academic environment that enhances intellectual growth.
• Discuss ways to refuse a drink.
• Set clear and realistic expectations about academic performance. The following table describes the relationship between the average number of drinks consumed per week by college students and grade point average. Source: (1996 National CORE Survey)
  
  A = 3.6 Drinks per week
  B = 5.5 Drinks per week
  C = 7.6 Drinks per week
  D = 10.6 Drinks per week

• Encourage your son or daughter to get involved in campus or community volunteer work.
• Don’t give your son or daughter too much spending money.
• Refrain from glamorizing any alcohol-fueled exploits you may have had in college.
• If there is problem drinking in your family, be sure your son or daughter is aware that s/he is at risk for developing a problem, too. (Research shows that there is a genetic link.)
• Foster a strong, trusting relationship and be available to talk and, more importantly, to listen.

Although the media coverage of recent alcohol-related deaths among college students has focused the spotlight on collegiate substance abuse, college binge drinking has been a public health dilemma for decades. The media attention is a good step toward fostering discussion and change. Together we can make a difference.

If you become concerned that your son or daughter is developing a problem, contact the UCSB Alcohol & Drug Program.

For more information about responding to students who affected by alcohol and drug abuse refer to Responding to Distressed Students Resource Guide

General Information: (805) 893-5013
Appointment Line: (805) 893-3371
Website: alcohol.sa.ucsb.edu
Online Assessments: alcohol.sa.ucsb.edu/Students/onlineassesments.aspx

Adapted from College Parents of America, MADD, and Syracuse University