STUDENT WELLNESS
How to talk to your student about alcohol

While your son or daughter attends Purdue, it is important to talk with him or her about studying, getting involved in co-curricular activities, and making the most of his or her Purdue education. It is also an important and appropriate time to discuss alcohol.

1. Set clear, realistic expectations for academic performance. If students know parents expect sound academic work, they're likely to be more devoted to studies and have less time to get in trouble with alcohol. Studies show that partying may contribute as much to a student's decline in grades as the difficulty of the academic work.
2. Stress that alcohol consumption is illegal for people under 21, and excessive consumption can be toxic and even fatal. Students die every year from alcohol poisoning. Tell your children not to drink if they are under 21. For students of legal age, discourage dangerous drinking, e.g., drinking games, hazing, etc. Ask students to intervene when they see someone participating in dangerous drinking.
3. Tell students to intervene when classmates are in trouble with alcohol. Nothing is more tragic than an unconscious student left to die while others either fail to recognize that the student is in jeopardy or fail to call for help due to fear of getting the student in trouble.
4. Tell students to stand up for their right to a safe academic environment. Students who don't drink can be affected by those who do, ranging from interrupted study time to assault or unwanted sexual advances. Students can confront these problems by discussing them with offenders. If that fails, they should notify their residential life manager, other residence hall staff, or other campus officials.
5. Know the alcohol scene on campus and talk to students about it. Students grossly exaggerate the use of alcohol and other drugs by peers. A recent survey found that University of Oregon students believed 96 percent of their peers drank at least once a week, when the actual rate was 52 percent. Peer-influenced students tend to "drink up" to the perceived norm, so it's important to clear up misperceptions.
6. Avoid tales of drinking exploits from your own college years. Entertaining students with stories of drinking back in "the good old days" appears to give parental approval to dangerous and, for people under 21, illegal alcohol consumption.
7. Encourage students to volunteer and get involved. Volunteerism helps students develop job skills and experience. Helping others gives students a broader outlook and healthier perspective. Volunteer work on campus as well as involvement in student organizations helps students connect with their school, increasing the likelihood of staying in college.
8. Make it clear - Underage alcohol consumption and driving after drinking are against the law. Parents should make it clear that they don't condone lawbreaking. Parents should openly and clearly express disapproval of underage drinking and dangerous alcohol consumption.

How does high-risk drinking affect college students? Here are some startling statistics:

• Death: 1,700 college students die from alcohol-related injuries
• Injury: 599,000 students are injured while under the influence of alcohol
• Assault: More than 696,000 students are assaulted by another student who has been drinking
• Academic Problems: About 25 percent of college students report academic consequences of their drinking, such as missing class, falling behind, doing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving lower grades overall

Based on yearly estimates from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov.

How will an alcohol-related arrest affect students' future opportunities?

• Arrest records are permanent.
• For students who intend on graduating in education, aviation, nursing, pharmacy, and some other fields: Even a minor alcohol violation may impact certification, licensure, or future employment.
• If your student plans on applying to graduate or another professional school: Admissions offices often call the University to see if there are any conduct issues on students' permanent records.
• Many well-paying positions with excellent fringe benefits in federal and state governmental agencies require security background checks. An arrest record might make a difference in whether an applicant is selected.

What resources are available for students concerned about alcohol and other drugs?

There are several programs and resources available to Purdue parents and students. Your student is encouraged to contact them for more information about University policies and regulations as well as available resources.

The bottom line: Talk to your student about consequences.

Resources

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Office of the Dean of Students

Counseling and Guidance Center

Purdue Police Department

Alcoholics Anonymous
Services: fellowship support
Location: meets at the Purdue Memorial Union and University Church several times weekly
Phone: (765) 742-1666

Links for more information

Purdue University 's Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy Guide for Students: www.purdue.edu/AOD

Purdue University Alcohol Awareness Web site: www.purdue.edu/alcohol

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Guide for Parents: www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/