Advice for High Risk Times in Student's Life

The more parents know about collegiate alcohol problems, more collaboration between the university and parents can develop to help prevent alcohol problems.

According to the national 2000 College Alcohol Survey (Anderson and Gadaleto), college administrators estimate alcohol is involved with:

• 30% of dropouts
• 37% of academic failures
• 60% of violent behaviors
• 65% of unsafe sexual practices
• 75% of acquaintance rapes

Is there such a thing as drinking without problems? Low-risk drinking is:

• Thinking about whether you will drink, what you will drink before the party
• Being 21 years old or older
• Eating a meal before drinking
• Abstaining is always the safest choice
• Drinking no more than one drink per hour; maximum 3 for women and 4 for men for the entire evening
• Always knowing what you are drinking: never accepting an open container or leaving a drink unattended and then drinking it
• Alternating alcohol-free (caffeine-free too) drinks throughout the evening
• Knowing how you will get home safely before going out

High-risk drinking is:

• Drinking to get drunk
• Driving after drinking or riding with someone under the influence
• Drinking too much or too fast on an empty stomach
• Drinking Games
• Chugging
• Doing shots
• Using a funnel, hose, trough or punch bowl
• Going to parties where people drink too much
• Not knowing what is in your glass or leaving it unattended
• Mixing alcohol with any medications, over the counter or prescription
• Mixing alcohol with illegal drugs
• Pre-partying or pre-loading
• Drinking while sleep deprived
• Drinking with a genetic predisposition to alcoholism, drug addiction, depression, eating disorders, etc.

Some High Risk Times during the Academic Year:

• The first 2 or 3 weeks of school (major pressure to socialize and get caught up with friends in addition to low academic demands)
• Homecoming
• Right before, or during or immediately after mid-terms (for 'stress management')
• After handing in a major paper or project (very high risk if the student had stayed all night before, working on the paper/project; sleep deprivation adds more impairment)
• During fraternity rush/recruitment (all policies outlaw this behavior but some members think alcohol is a great commodity for recruitment; sororities don't allow this and live up to their policies more than fraternities)
• Bid Day or Night (again, policies out law this, but unfortunately some students think its necessary to celebrate)
• Semi-formals and Formals
• Major sporting events
• Spring Break
• Mardi Gras
• Birthdays (especially 21st)
• Break ups of major romantic relationships
• Right after finals (some students who finish early may try to get other students to join them)
• Graduation

Let your student know that s/he is facing a time of potential high-risk drinking. Clarify your expectations of their behavior. Explore their plans to stay safe.

Facing an Alcohol-Related Crisis -- Getting Assistance

Adapted from: "What Parents Need to Know About college Drinking" by National Institutes of Health

• Be aware of the signs of possible alcohol abuse by your student (e.g. lower grades, never available or reluctant to talk with you, unwilling to talk about activities with friends, trouble with campus authorities, serious mood changes)
• If you believe your student is having a problem with alcohol, do not blame them but find appropriate treatment.
• Call and/or visit campus health services and ask to speak with the substance abuse therapist.
• Indicate to the Vice Chancellor of Student Life, either in person or by email, your interest in the welfare of your student and that you want to be actively involved in his or her recover despite the geographic separation.
• If your student is concerned about his or her alcohol consumption, or that of a friend, have them check out www.alcohol.screening.org for information about ongoing screening for problems with alcohol.
• Pay your student an unexpected visit. Ask to meet their friends. Attend Parents' Weekend and other campus events open to parents.
• Continue to stay actively involved in the life of your student. Even though they may be away at college, they continue to be an extension of your family and its values/principles.

Facing a Relapse

If your student has gone through treatment and relapses, do not consider this a failure. Most alcoholics and addicts relapse. The most important issue is to get them back into treatment/12 step program as soon as possible.

• Call the Vice Chancellor of Student Life to communicate your concern and willingness to be involved with getting your student immediate help.
• Talk with the substance abuse therapist in Student Health. You can share any information about your student, but please realize that if your student is in therapy, the therapist can not release information without a release form signed by your student (this is a federal and state law that protects confidentiality of therapy, especially substance abuse therapy)
• Explore the options at this time with your student and their therapist. Once a plan is developed, write up a contract for all to sign so that everything is crystal clear on what is expected and what would be the consequences if the student does not return to therapy/does not comply with therapy/continues drinking or drug using/etc. (link to sample)
• Find a support program for yourself (Alanon or Naranon) or a substance abuse therapist who can guide and support you through this challenging time.

For more information:
Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Prevention Programs
Station B 1508
Nashville Tenn. 37235
(615) 343-4740
FAX (615) 343-3702

Resources

TN Laws

Vanderbilt University Policy

Alcohol Registration Form

Party Planning Guide

Physiological Effects of Alcohol & Other Drugs

Effects of Date Rape Drugs

Self-Assessment Tools

Academic Links for Class Papers & Projects

Web Links

GAMMA

CHEERS

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