Alcohol and College – Not a Great Mix

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Each year teenagers from all over the world leave the nest heading to college. Some choose to remain close to home while others catch an airplane to arrive at their college of choice.

In years past, drinking and college were considered a right of passage. However this once harmless assumption is now proving to be not only dangerous but also deadly.

The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism completed a comprehensive report looking at the impact of high-risk drinking among college students entitled "A Call to Action: Changing the Culture of Drinking at US Colleges."

There report found that serious consequences occurring from underage drinking including injuries, accidents, assaults and death. Drinking among four-year college students has received most of the attention. However research shows that community college students are not immune to these issues either (Sheffield, Darkes, Del Boca and Goldman, 2005).

Below are tips that can help your child have a potentially safer college experience.

1. DO utilize existing resources and organizations to educate yourself about the dangers of underage drinking ..

2. DO sit down with your teenager and talk about your concerns and position on their use of alcohol. This should be done long before the moving van is being packed.

3. DO NOT be vague. Discuss with your teenager their and your views regarding drinking and driving, drinking and hazing, and date rape. Ask for their opinions, concerns and how they would respond in these different scenarios.

4. DO talk frequently with your teenager about this and other issues.

5. DO talk to your teenager about how they are handling college and the pressure to drink and party.

6. DO keep the lines of communication open. Let your teenager know you are there for them even if they find themselves in trouble.

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Source by Felecia Sheffield PhD