Information for Parents

It’s never too late to talk to your kids about drinking and drugs. We hope the information provided to you here will help you take a step to making that connection with your son or daughter.

Availability of Alcohol Absence of Parents Desire to Fit In Potentially Risky Drinking Decisions

The misuse of alcohol by college students remains a problem despite laws, campus policies and college programs. When talking to your son or daughter about choices they make in regards to alcohol, you may want to discuss the differences between high-risk and low-risk drinking and abstaining.

Low Risk Drinking is:

  • Thinking about whether you will drink, what you will drink and how much you will drink before the party
  • Being 21 or older
  • Eating a meal before drinking
  • Abstaining is the safest choice
  • Drinking no more than one drink per hour; maximum 1 for women, 2 for men
  • Always knowing what you are drinking
  • Alternating alcohol-free drinks throughout the evening
  • Knowing how you will get home safely before you go out

High Risk Drinking is:

  • Chugging, drinking games, shots (drinking anything out of a punch bowl, trough, hose or funnel)
  • Drinking to get drunk
  • Driving after drinking or riding with someone under the influence
  • Drinking too much too fast
  • Going to parties where people drink too much
  • Not knowing what is in your glass or leaving it unattended
  • Mixing alcohol with medications or illegal drugs

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

  • 30% of dropouts
  • 36% of academic failures
  • 60% of violent behaviors
  • 64% of unsafe sexual practices
  • 70% of acquaintance rapes
Source: The Century Council Opens in a new tab.