Family Resources

Talk to Your Incoming Freshman About Alcohol and Other Drugs

Even after your family leaves for college you can still have a very important impact on their decision making. Read the tips below to help you have a productive conversation with them about the risks of using and abusing alcohol and other drugs.

Tips to Communicate With Your New College Student:

- Encourage your student to be safe and responsible

- Communicate your values about drinking alcohol and using drugs

- Be factual and straightforward

- Ask your student what they think about alcohol and other drugs. Listen to their answers.

- Talk often! Follow up during the school year to ask about their experiences in school. 

Signs of an Alcohol or Other Drug Problem with Your Student:

- Significant drop in grades

- Skipping class routinely

- Chronic money troubles

- Changes in behavior

 

Links

Click here to visit this NIAAA Fact Sheet for Information for Parents

Click here to view The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility info-graphic

To learn more about how to talk to your student about alcohol visit collegeparentsmatter.org