TALKING WITH YOUR CHILD ABOUT ALCOHOL
For most parents, talking to their child about alcohol in uncomfortable. However,
research shows that students who have meaningful conversations about alcohol and
drugs with a parent or caring adult are 50% less likely to suffer consequences
from high-risk use. Here are some helpful hints for parents talking to their
college students about alcohol:
It's important to have an open dialogue with your student. Be sure to ask about
their views about alcohol. Listen to their thoughts and look for inaccurate beliefs.
Teach them important facts about alcohol (Facts Vs. Myths). Although many kids
believe they already know everything about alcohol, myths and misinformation abound.
Most importantly, express to your son or daughter that your first priority is
their health and safety and that underage and high-risk alcohol use can have negative
consequences for their well being.
Here are some important facts to share:
- Although it may feel like it, not all college students drink a lot all the time. On average, about 65% of Connecticut's college students choose to drink 1 or ZERO drinks each week.
- Alcohol is a powerful drug that slows down the body and mind. It impairs coordination; slows reaction time; and impairs vision, clear thinking, and judgment.
- Beer and wine are not "safer" than hard liquor. A 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and 1.5 ounces of hard liquor all contain the same amount of alcohol and have the same effects on the body and mind.
- On average, it takes 2 to 3 hours for a single drink to leave the body's system. Nothing can speed up this process, including drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or "walking it off."
- People tend to be very bad at judging how seriously alcohol has affected them. That means that individuals who drive after drinking think they can control a car-but actually cannot.
- Anyone can develop a serious alcohol problem at any age.
- Teach them that there are good reasons not to drink and discuss other ways to enjoy the college experience.