Counseling Services
health.geneseo.edu
Division of Student and Campus Life
State University of New York at Geneseo
1 College Circle, Geneseo, New York 14454
Phone: (585) 245-5716; Fax: (585) 245-5071
Parents, have you talked to your student about
DRINKING IN COLLEGE?
It’s vital to talk to your son or daughter about drinking in college!
RIGHT NOW
ONCE THEY’RE IN COLLEGE
It is important for adults to communicate at least four
essential messages to students about drinking:
Abstinence from alcohol is an acceptable decision.
In a study of over 56,000 students, 33% indicated a
preference for not having alcohol available at social
events on campus. In addition to pointing that there is
support for choosing not to drink, it is also important
to note that abstaining from alcohol has benefits, such
as having more money to do other things and
eliminating the risk of developing alcoholism.
The use of alcohol can be harmful. Heavy drinking
is associated with decreased academic performance,
college dropouts, sexually transmitted diseases,
unplanned pregnancies, sexual assault and rape,
student vandalism and violent behavior, legal trouble,
injury, and even death—each year, 50 students in the
U.S. die of alcohol-related deaths.
Rapid ingestion of alcohol can lead to potentially
lethal alcohol poisoning. The human body can
metabolize only one drink per hour; any alcohol
consumed beyond this point leads to impairment.
Although the lethal dose of alcohol is considered to be
a blood alcohol level of .40, death from alcohol
poisoning has been reported at lower levels. Vomiting
is a warning sign of alcohol poisoning; other signs of
an l overdose include being unable to be awakened;
slow, shallow breathing; cold, clammy, pale, or bluish
skin; and a rapid pulse rate. Young people should be
aware that a person displaying any of these symptoms
requires medical attention immediately.
If you choose to use alcohol, do so safely, legally,
and appropriately. There are benefits both to
abstaining from alcohol use and to using alcohol
wisely. When used safely, alcohol can be a
compliment to social events, a part of a family
tradition or ritual, and even an enjoyable taste.
Making choices about alcohol based on a clear set of
guidelines will enhance health and reduce the risk of
developing the wide range of alcohol-related problems
that some college students experience.
These are some factors to help guide students in
establishing safe drinking limits:
Drinking on an empty stomach impairs judgment and
behavior more than drinking after or with meals.
Alcohol effects can be greater when one is tired,
stressed, angry, lonely, or dealing with other strong
emotions.
Females are more affected than males of equal weight
after drinking the same amount of alcohol.
The effects of alcohol vary considerably with body
weight plus both the number and strength of drinks.
Alcohol can cause impairment at blood alcohol
concentrations of as low as .04, which is only 3 drinks
in a 2-hour period (for those between 100-160 lbs.).
Here are some additional conversation starters for
talking to your student about alcohol:
What will you do if you find yourself at a party with
only alcohol to drink? How will you turn down
alcohol if you don’t want to drink?
What will you do if your roommate only wants to
drink and “party”? What other activities or resources
can you seek out?
How will you handle it if you are asked to “baby-sit”
someone who is drunk? How can you determine if
someone requires immediate medical attention?
What will you do if you find a student passed out in
the bathroom? Who should you call for help?
because it’s your health.
Rev. 9/10
More important information to share with your son or daughter:
Low-risk drinking is:
High-risk drinking is:
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Abstaining. It’s the safest choice.
Thinking about whether you will drink and
what you will drink before the party.
Drinking no more than 1 drink per hour with
a maximum of 3 drinks for women or 4
drinks for men.
Alternating between alcohol and alcohol-free
drinks throughout the evening.
Knowing how you will get home safely
before you go out and sticking to your plan.
Mixing your own drinks. Always measure
only 1 ounce of alcohol for every 4-6 ounces
of soda, juice, or milk.
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Any rapid ingestion of alcohol such as
chugging, drinking games, or shots.
Drinking to get drunk (intoxicated) or to
change how you’re feeling.
Driving after drinking or riding with someone
else who has been drinking.
Drinking too much and/or too fast.
Drinking on an empty stomach.
Drinking something without knowing exactly
what is in your glass or leaving your drink
unattended (due to the risk of “rape drugs”).
Drinking anything out of a punch bowl,
trough, hose, or funnel.
Most college students make responsible decisions
about the use or non-use of alcohol.
BUT:
Availability of Alcohol + Absence of Parents + Desire to Fit In =
POTENTIALLY RISKY DRINKING DECISIONS
The misuse of alcohol both by underage students and by
students over 21 remains a problem for some in spite of
laws, campus policies, and other college programs.
So, when talking to students about their choices with
respect to alcohol, help them to learn the differences
between low-risk and high risk drinking, and especially
the danger of rapid ingestion of alcohol, which can lead to
potentially lethal alcohol poisoning. Also, encourage
abstinence!
because it’s your health.
According to the 1997
College Alcohol Survey
(Anderson & Gadaleto),
college and university
administrators estimated
that alcohol is involved in:
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29% of drop outs
38% of academic failures
64% of violent behaviors
66% of unsafe sex practices
75% of acquaintance rapes
Rev. 9/10