Parent Information : Drug-Free Action Alliance

Parent Information

A Message To Parents About High-Risk Drinking at College

Today 40% males and 30% females drink to become intoxicated. Twenty years ago 20% males and 15% females drank to get drunk.

The first 6 weeks of college for first-year students are critical to their success; about 1/3 fail to enroll for their second year.
1,700 college students die each year from alcohol-related injuries including motor vehicle crashes.
About 25 % of college students report negative academic consequences because of their drinking including missing class falling behind, doing poorly on exams or papers and receiving lower grades overall.
31 % of college students meet criteria for alcohol abuse diagnosis and 6 % for alcohol dependence diagnosis.
Alcohol is the most abused drug.

Alcohol Poisoning – can possibly lead to death
Alcohol Depresses Nerves – that control involuntary action like breathing and the gag reflex which prevents choking
Alcohol Interferes with Brain Development - causing potential learning impediments
Violent Crimes - 95% of those on college campuses are alcohol-related
Sexual Assault: 90% of college rapes involve alcohol use by either the victim or the assailant
Academic Consequences – alcohol is associated with poor grades, absenteeism and higher rates of school dropout
Criminal Records - violating alcohol related laws can result in a permanent criminal record interfering with future employment and post graduate work
Students are Less Sensitive to Alcohol Effects – they can drink longer before feeling drowsy increasing the potential for injuries

Studies clearly show that parents remain a key influence on college students
You know your student best - be alert to identifying crisis early
Watch for drop in grades and deterioration of family relationships
If students know or perceive parents’ disapproval of behaviors, they are less likely to engage in them
Stay involved and stay in touch – inquire about classes, friends and extracurricular activities
Encourage community service and other healthy activities to spend time and money
Talk with your student – get and share facts
Listen - lecturing doesn’t work
Communicate risks and consequences associated with underage drinking
Refrain from glamorizing alcohol use
Make your expectations extremely clear – provide clear No-Use messages regarding underage drinking
Model good behaviors concerning alcohol, tobacco and prescription medicines
Parents can still play a major role in preventing alcohol problems

Ohio Colleges support all federal, state and local laws regarding alcohol

It is illegal for people under age 21 to drink or possess any alcoholic beverage.
It is illegal for any person to possess an open container of alcohol in a public place or in a motor vehicle.
It is illegal for any person to possess, create, sell or distribute a fake ID. This is a 4th degree felony.
It is illegal to buy, share the cost or provide alcohol to persons under age 21.
It is illegal for people under 21 with a blood alcohol content of .02 or higher to operate a motor vehicle.
It is illegal to knowingly allow a person under 21, other than your own child, to remain in your home or on your property while consuming or possessing alcohol.
It is illegal as a parent, to give alcohol to your teen’s friends under the age of 21 under any circumstance, even in your own home, even with their parent’s permission.