Alcohol use and underage drinking can become an issue when entering college or the workplace. It is at this age they gain an incredible amount of independence as they transition from high school to college or the workplace. They are faced with many difficult decisions - some of these decisions will probably include whether or not to use drugs like alcohol.
"Is it too late to talk to my kids about alcohol use?"
We encourage you to provide guidance and advice to your child during this transition. You are one of your child's best resources and your expectations regarding alcohol use matter to them. In fact, in a recent survey of North Dakota college students, 80.4% believe that their parents’ expectations or rules about alcohol is an effective way to limit their alcohol consumption; proof that parents talking to their children about alcohol use does in fact help.
Influences in your young adult's world:
peers
instructors/professors
media (movies, TV, internet)
college housing staff
parents and older siblings/relatives
Keys to prevention at this age: Modeling healthy behaviors, providing strong emotional support, and emphasis on family values, expectations, and consequences.
Parents Matter: Talking with your College Student about Alcohol Use.
To learn more visit, "What do I say" to your college student.
ND University System. (2012). NDCORE 2012 Aggregate Alcohol and Other Drug Survey Report. Bismarck, ND: ND Higher Education Consortium for Substance Abuse Prevention.
