Introduction:
Transitioning
to College
Congratulations! Starting college is an exciting milestone for
students and parents. It’s a time of transition and a time to stay
connected as your son or daughter prepares for, and adjusts to,
the opportunities and stresses of college life. For some, this may
be their first time away from home. As a parent, you can support
a healthy transition by talking to your student about some of the
difficult issues he or she may face at school, such as alcohol and
other drugs, campus safety, and handling stressful situations.
MyStudentBody
Your student’s college offers an interactive online program called MyStudentBody, which
deals with health issues many students face at college. A portion of the site is designed
for parents, and it touches on many of the same topics. It will help you stay connected
to your student and communicate about these issues. Contact the campus health office
for a code and other instructions to access the MyStudentBody–Parent website at
www.MyStudentBody.com. What's in this guide?
This guide and the MyStudentBody–Parent website are full of information and
strategies to help you navigate some complex issues, making the job of parenting a
college student a little easier. Our goal is to help you feel confident and empowered
to communicate with your student about sensitive topics and, ultimately, reduce the
potential for high-risk behaviors during this transition. You’ll find ideas and resources for
meaningful parent-student conversations about:
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transitioning to college
identifying true social norms
curbing risky behavior
staying safe on campus
making healthy decisions at school
keeping prescription medications safe
recognizing unhealthy coping skills
finding support
understanding campus policies and the law
College is a time for self-discovery and freedom. It’s a time to develop independence.
With a little guidance and a lot of communication, your student is likely to make healthy,
responsible decisions during college and beyond.
Communicating About
the Transition: Talk, Listen,
and Learn
College can be very exciting for new students. Your student will face many new choices
and a new sense of independence, especially during the first couple of months. But this
transition can also be a challenge. In fact, one in three college students don’t return to
school after their first year.
The first six weeks
The first six weeks are critical to laying the groundwork for
academic success. At this time, some students get caught
up in drinking and other drugs, which can interfere with
studying and place them in risky situations. It’s particularly
important for parents to stay involved in these early weeks.
Communicate with your student and show you care. For
example:
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Connect by phone or Skype.
Send emails and text messages.
Use social media such as Facebook.
Send care packages.
Make campus visits.
I think a lot of kids are afraid to admit that they wouldn’t mind
getting a call from their parents.
—College Student
A parent's influence
Parents can have a great influence on their college-age students. Voicing your opinion
about underage drinking and other drug use will affect your student’s choices at college. When parents strongly disapprove of drinking:
• Their students drink less and have fewer problems with alcohol
• Their students are less likely to hang out with peers who drink
Communicate expectations
Parents sometimes assume their expectations about substance use are clear to their
students, but this is not always the case. Occasionally, students’ perceptions differ from
their parents’ actual expectations. When students perceive that their parents do approve
of drinking, they are more likely to drink.
Part of communicating expectations to your student means not glorifying your own
past. You might mention some of your own fun party experiences at college, but be sure
to discuss any negative experiences or regrets that resulted from your own substance
use, or others’. Your student should be aware of both possibilities.
Be proactive
If at all possible, attend orientation at your student’s college. You’ll learn about the
school’s policies and approach to academics and personal development, and it will
also show your student that you will still be an active participant in his or her life. Your
parenting and your accessibility will continue, and sometimes that knowledge is very
reassuring for students.
The top five questions to ask administrators at orientation:
1. Under what circumstances will the school contact parents?
2. What can you tell me about the campus security here?
3. Can you describe the campus alcohol policy?
4. Are alcohol-free residence halls available?
5. How can we help as parents?
For more questions to ask administrators, go to the MyStudentBody–Parent website
and review the “Orientation Checklist” in the Prevention Strategies, Lessons and Tools
section.
What's the bottom line?
The first six weeks on campus are particularly critical as students adjust to college life
and make new friends. Try these strategies to promote a smooth transition:
• Attend orientation.
• Talk with your student often.
• Be a role model by practicing responsible drinking.
• Voice your expectations about substance use.
Visit MyStudentBody.com for more information about the program
College Trends: Alcohol and
Other Drugs on Campus
Not every college student chooses to use alcohol or other drugs. In fact, the majority of
students make healthy choices. Most do not drink heavily, and nearly 21 percent don’t
drink at all, according to a fall 2012 survey by the American College Health Association —
National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA).
Heavy or binge drinking
“Binge” drinking, as it is commonly called, means consuming
five or more drinks for males, or four or more drinks for females,
within about two hours. 8.5 percent of students stated they
binge drank in the last 30 days, said the ACHA-NCHA survey.
Assessing your student's school
You can tell a lot by visiting your student at school, and not
just during Parents’ Weekend. When you visit, look for evidence of
whether or not a lot of drinking occurs there. Do you notice discarded beer cans?
How about alcohol advertisements posted around campus? Does the school provide
alcohol-free activities and “dry” residence halls? Check out the school’s alcohol and
other drug (AOD) policies and ask administrators how often violations are enforced.
The consequences
The possible consequences of drinking too much can be serious for students. These can
include academic problems, physical or sexual harm to the drinker or to other people, or
trouble with police or other authorities.
I think that a lot of college students are operating under the
assumption that (a) everyone drinks, and (b) they’re invincible.
—College Resident Assistant
Harmful misperceptions
Many students think that “everyone on campus drinks.” But that’s a false social norm:
students perceive that a situation is real even though it is not. Students who believe that
everyone drinks or uses other drugs often feel pressured to use, or use more substances,
in order to fit in. Therefore, overestimating how much peers drink or use other drugs can
actually increase student substance use.
In terms of drinking, most students make responsible decisions. A recent Core Institute
study showed that
• 24.1% of students drove after drinking alcohol
• 11.2% got into trouble with the police as a result of drinking
• 5.3% of students did property damage while drinking
These are serious problems—but often they are perceived as being more common than
they actually are.
Similarly, the ACHA-NCHA survey found that, overall:
• Students believed that 44 percent of their peers drank 10 to 29 days out of every
month, when in reality only about 14 percent drank that much.
• Students believed that only 7 percent of their peers had never smoked marijuana,
when actually almost 63 percent reported never smoking it.
• Students believed that about 12 percent of their peers used other types of drugs
daily, when in fact only a small minority of students — slightly over one percent —
reported such use. (The definition of “other drugs” included cocaine, meth and other
amphetamines, sedatives, hallucinogens, anabolic steroids, opiates, inhalants, MDMA,
other illegal and club drugs, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. It excluded alcohol,
cigarettes, tobacco from a water pipe, and marijuana.)
It’s critical that these false perceptions be corrected and understood, so students don’t
feel needless pressure to use substances.
What's the bottom line?
Parents who discuss the dangers of drinking and other drugs can have an impact on
their students’ choices. Start conversations to:
• Provide accurate information about binge drinking and the misperceptions of
substance use
• Discuss the potential consequences of binge drinking and using other drugs
• Listen to your student’s views on these topics; make it a two-way conversation
• Ask your student about his or her concerns and perceptions of alcohol and drug
abuse
Visit MyStudentBody.com for more information about the program
Share the Facts With Your
Student: A Closer Look at
Risky Behavior
New college students may feel anxious about fitting in and making new friends. Be open
and honest when talking with your student: the more information you share about the
facts, the better prepared your student will be to handle challenging situations during
the transition.
The biphasic curve
Sometimes students use alcohol in social situations to feel more comfortable and have
fun. But after the first or second drink, the euphoric feelings end and the depressant
effects kick in. Many college students are unaware of this two-phase process, known as
the biphasic curve.
Phase 1—Good feelings: After one or two drinks, the level of alcohol in the bloodstream
slowly rises, accompanied by stimulating, happy feelings. For a while, the person may
feel confident and social. But those sensations fade after a certain amount of alcohol is
consumed, typically at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) .05 or .06.
Phase 2—Negative
feelings: More than
one or two drinks
can begin to cause
fatigue, social
inappropriateness,
lack of coordination,
and slurred speech.
Students who think
alcohol lifts their
mood tend to drink
more, often unaware
that these depressant
effects will kick in.
Strategies to reduce alcohol risks
While many college students choose not to drink alcohol, some do. Feeling stressed,
wanting to fit in, or believing that everyone drinks at college are all factors for underage
drinking. So talk with your student about lessening the effects of alcohol, should they
decide to drink. These strategies can help in a setting where people are drinking:
• Alternate alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
• Drink slowly, rather than “chugging.”
• Eat before drinking.
• Stop drinking at a predetermined time.
• Avoid drinking games.
• Avoid mixing different types of alcohol.
Drinking and driving
Almost all students have learned not to drink and drive, yet a 2009 national survey
showed that 3.36 million students between 18 and 24 had driven while under the
influence of alcohol.
It can be difficult for students to stand up to their peers, especially if their driver
becomes intoxicated and they have no other way to get home. Even if your student
already knows about the dangers of drunk driving, engage in ongoing, strategy-based
discussions anyway. Tell your student to:
• Speak up and don’t get into the car with an intoxicated driver.
• Call a sober friend or find another ride.
• Bring cab money as a backup.
• If at a party, crash at the host’s house.
• Find out beforehand if there is a safe ride program (campus bus or van, or local cab
company) that runs late.
Prescription medication misuse
A growing trend is using prescription drugs recreationally or for nonmedical purposes.
Commonly misused prescription drugs include steroids, antidepressants, anti-anxiety
drugs, antipsychotics, and medication for ADHD (attention deficit–hyperactivity
disorder). The symptoms of such misuse are notoriously difficult to isolate, especially
with ADHD meds, which some students take to focus and study longer, or to relax.
Mixing substances
Drinking alcohol while taking prescription drugs can be dangerous. In fact, more than
150 medications interact harmfully with alcohol. For a list of specifics, go to www.fda.
gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm. Or visit the MyStudentBody–Parent website
and review the “Prescription Drug Interaction” tool in the Share the Facts with Your
Student section (under Lessons and Tools).
Of course, some students take legitimately prescribed drugs. Make sure your son or
daughter knows these facts:
• Side effects, some life-threatening, are possible for anyone who is taking a prescribed
drug and also drinks alcohol or ingests other unprescribed drugs. Be clear about the
dangers of mixing medication with other substances.
• Anyone who is legitimately taking a prescription drug should never skip a dose in
order to drink alcohol. Medication may take days to weeks to clear out of the body,
so it can still interact with the alcohol. And skipping a dose can alter the drug’s
effectiveness or cause undesirable effects.
What's the bottom line?
Students who understand the effects of alcohol and other drugs, and know how to
handle peer pressure, are equipped to make wise choices in social situations. Use these
ideas to begin those important conversations:
• Discuss strategies to avoid driving with an intoxicated driver.
• Talk openly about the dangers of drinking and driving, and your student’s own
limitations if he or she chooses to drink.
• Discuss the growing trend and dangers of prescription drug misuse.
• Talk openly about the risks of mixing prescription medication with alcohol and other
drugs.
Visit MyStudentBody.com for more information about the program
Campus Safety: What All
Parents Need to Share with
Their Students
Campus safety is a concern for many parents. While schools do their best to create
and maintain a safe environment, much depends on the awareness and cooperation of
everyone in the campus community.
Campus safety strategies
Whether students attend school in an urban, suburban, or rural setting, it’s important
for them to remain vigilant about staying safe. Often students let their guard down on
campus because they assume it is safer than being off campus. Talk to your student
about these ten safety strategies.
1. Trust your instincts and be yourself. If you feel unsafe, or even uncomfortable, in any
situation, go with your gut. Don’t worry about what others think; your own safety
comes first.
2. Use your cell phone as a tool. Make sure it’s fully charged before you leave home. If
you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, text a friend and ask for help. Make
a plan before you go out just in case your phone dies, so you can meet up with your
friends at a specific place and time.
3. Be careful when leaving status or away messages online. Use caution with the “checkin” feature on social media sites like Facebook or Foursquare. Leaving information on
your whereabouts reveals details that are accessible to everyone. Use common sense;
if you wouldn’t give the information to a stranger, then don’t put it on your online
profile.
4. Don’t let your guard down until people earn your trust. A college campus can foster a
false sense of security. Don’t assume people you’ve just met will look out for your best
interests; remember that they are essentially strangers.
5. Don’t be afraid to hurt someone’s feelings. If you find yourself in an unsafe situation,
it’s OK to lie. Make up an excuse as to why you have to go. It’s better to make up a
reason to leave than to stay in a possibly dangerous situation. Your safety comes
before someone else’s feelings.
6. If you see something, say something! Intervene if a situation seems questionable or if
someone’s safety is at risk. By taking action, you may prevent a crime. Remember you
can also contact your resident assistant or campus police.
7. Stick with your friends and watch out for each other. When meeting somewhere for
the evening, arrive together, check in with one another throughout the night, and leave
together. Think twice about going off alone. If you have to separate from your friends
for whatever reason, let them know where you’re going and who you’re with.
8. Drink responsibly and know your limits. Be aware of the dangers of “date rape” drugs,
which can be slipped into a drink. Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know
and trust, and never leave your drink unattended. If your drink has been out of your
sight, get a fresh one. Always watch your drink being prepared. At parties, stick to
drinks you got or prepared yourself, instead of using common open containers like
punch bowls.
9. Watch out for your friends. If a friend seems out of it, is way too intoxicated for the
amount of alcohol consumed, or is acting out of character, get him or her to a safe
place. If you suspect that you or a friend has been drugged, call 911. Talk explicitly
with doctors so they can administer the correct tests.
10.Be aware of your surroundings. Whether you’re at a party or walking home from
the library, be mindful of potential risks. Get to know your campus, and learn a welllit route back to your dorm or home. Think of a safe exit strategy. Are there people
around who might be able to help you? Is there an emergency phone nearby?
For more information about campus safety, go to the MyStudentBody–Parent website
and review the “Campus Safety” tool in the Support for Students, Lessons and Tools
section.
Sexual safety
Your student should also be aware of personal sexual well-being and safety.
Unfortunately, sexual violence on college campuses is a reality. Sexual violence, as
defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, encompasses any sexual act
perpetrated against someone’s will. Sexual violence occurs without a person’s consent
and includes a range of offenses:
• A completed nonconsensual sex act, (i.e., rape). Acquaintance rape is the most
common form for college-age students: the person knows the attacker, who might be
a classmate, ex-partner, or recent connection from a party, for example.
• An attempted nonconsensual sex act or abusive sexual contact (i.e., unwanted
touching)
• Non-contact sexual abuse (e.g., threatened sexual violence, exhibitionism, or verbal
sexual harassment)
Administrators have an obligation to make their campus a safe place for all students,
and many efforts have been undertaken to promote campus safety. Research suggests,
however, that sexual victimization (which includes sexual assault and stalking) remains
a problem on many campuses. “The Sexual Victimization of College Women,” a report
by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at the U.S. Department of Justice, showed
that a college with 10,000 students could have as many as 350 rapes per year, many of
them unreported. Research shows that 20 to 25 percent of college women will become
survivors of rape or attempted rape during their time at school, and also that much
more can be done to reduce these risks on college campuses. Additionally, in 1 in 3
sexual assaults, the perpetrator was intoxicated.
[Parents] should talk about anything and everything they
think can happen to their child. We want [parents] talking to
them about the potential for sexual assault, which means parents
need to be educated about what the potential is.
—Associate Dean of Students
What is consent?
Consent is a voluntary, sober, and verbal agreement to engage in a certain behavior.
Partners must continue to talk openly about how far to go, each step of the way.
What may be agreed upon at one point in time may not be acceptable in the future.
Therefore, consent is more of a process rather than a longstanding agreement.
Consent is not implied or assumed, even if two partners are in an ongoing relationship.
The absence of “no” does not mean it is okay to move to the next level of sexual
intimacy. An intoxicated person cannot give consent. Without consent, sexual
encounters are considered rape.
What your daughter needs to know about sexual
violence
Dating is part of college life. So how can you make your daughter aware of potential
dangers without causing alarm or having her think that you’re being over-protective?
Try to be proactive. Talk to your daughter about how a woman’s ability to resist
unwanted sexual advances is greatly diminished if she is intoxicated, and also tell her
about some preventive measures to help reduce the risk of sexual violence.
I’m much more concerned about my daughter being put into
a situation that is unsafe as a result of inexperience, rather than
poor judgment.
—Parent of a College Student
Help reduce the risk of acquaintance rape by giving your student the following tips:
• Plan ahead: Know where you’re going and how you’re getting home. Bring cab fare
just in case.
• Use the buddy system: Stay close to friends. Never leave somewhere alone with a
person you just met, no matter how well you hit it off.
• Stay in public: Avoid going to private or secluded places.
• Be cyber-savvy: When you meet someone online, never give out your address or
other personal information. If you decide to meet in person, meet only in public. Bring
along a friend or tell a few people where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone.
Have someone check in to make sure you’re okay. Do not allow the person to pick you
up or drive you home.
• Be assertive: Set clear limits about what you consider acceptable sexual behavior.
What your son needs to know about sexual violence
As a parent, you play a vital role in modeling respectful, equitable behavior. Encourage
your son to define his own beliefs and values and not to be influenced by inappropriate
peer behavior. Encourage these values:
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ommunication: Listen to the other person in the relationship and make intentions clear.
• Consent: Understand that someone who is intoxicated cannot give sexual consent.
• Respect: Show your respect for women by not putting them down or using
disrespectful language about them.
• Tolerance: Speak out against others who degrade women or joke about sexual
violence.
• Involvement: Get involved in sexual violence prevention efforts on campus, such as
Men Against Violence or Men Can Stop Rape.
If you notice a negative attitude toward women in your son—calling them slang names,
devaluing them, or objectifying them—address the issue with your son. Find out what’s
going on. He may not even realize this type of behavior is harmful.
Avoid mixing alcohol and drugs with sexual behavior: that
typically is a dangerous combination.
—Professor of Psychology
Bystander intervention
Most of us have witnessed some form of inappropriate sexual behavior in our lives—
situations that have made us uncomfortable, embarrassed, or humiliated. Likewise,
college students experience the same things at school, whether it’s in class, at a party,
or at a school event. The problem is that most students don’t know what to do when
presented with an awkward situation, so often they simply do nothing. And when
students believe sexual misperceptions and tolerate sexual misconduct—such as
listening to or telling sexist jokes or participating in sexual harassment—it creates and
sustains an overall acceptance level for normalizing sexual violence.
You need to have a serious, straightforward conversation.
If you can be direct—not judgmental, not alarmist, but direct—
about this issue, it’s a first and important step towards
prevention.
—Professor of Psychology
Talk to your son or daughter about bystander intervention. Students need to get over
their fears of losing a friend, creating conflict, or making someone angry. Intervening
in a difficult situation doesn’t need to be physical; it can be as simple as talking to a
resident advisor or filling out a silent (anonymous) witness form that some schools
offer. Empowering your student to reject inappropriate behavior can help reduce
violence and discrimination.
Getting help
If your student tells you that he or she has been the victim of sexual assault, believe
your student: that’s the most important thing you can do immediately. Do not ask
questions that can be perceived as judgmental, such as “Why did you go to that party?”
or “Why did you leave with him (or her)?” or “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Instead,
support your student by saying “I’m sorry this happened to you. Thank you for telling
me.” Make it clear that he or she is not to blame for what happened. It is critical that
survivors of sexual assault get immediate medical attention, report the attack to the
police or campus authorities (even if they decide not to press charges), and seek help
through the campus counseling center, health center, or local rape crisis center.
Emphasize the following information should your student ever be assaulted:
• Remain in a safe place.
• Contact someone who can help you.
• Get medical attention to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy.
• Preserve evidence of the attack by not showering or brushing teeth.
• Ask a health care provider to conduct a rape kit exam within 72 hours of the assault.
• Ask that a urine sample be collected to find out whether date rape drugs were
ingested.
• Give a health care provider the clothes worn during the assault.
• Write down everything that happened before, during, and after the assault with as
much detail as possible,
After a sexual assault, a survivor may show signs of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression,
alcohol abuse, mood swings, and slipping academic performance. Be there for your
student; he or she will need your support every step of the way. Reporting sexual violence
Research shows that only 12 percent of college women who are raped report it to law
enforcement. Males who are sexual assault survivors are even less likely to report it.
Common reasons that survivors do not report sexual assault include:
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fear of the assailant
fear of being disbelieved
lack of faith in the system
embarrassment
Reporting sexual violence is a tough decision for survivors to make. Regardless
of whether you agree with the decision to report or not report the crime, be
compassionate and help your student move forward with the healing process.
What's the bottom line?
Keep talking to your student about healthy relationships, open communication, safe
socializing, and healthy choices. Know the signs of an unhealthy relationship and speak
up if you’re concerned about your student.
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Review general campus safety tips.
Be sure your student understands the definitions of sexual violence and consent.
Discuss the risks of drinking alcohol or using other drugs with a casual acquaintance.
Talk to your daughter about ways to reduce the risk of acquaintance rape.
Talk to your son about ways to help prevent sexual violence.
Review bystander intervention tactics with your student.
Know where your student can get help.
Be supportive.
Visit MyStudentBody.com for more information about the program
Prevention Strategies: Helping
Your Student Make Healthy
Decisions
Understanding how alcohol and other drugs affect the body, and how to minimize their
effects, helps students make smart choices about substance use.
Minimizing the risk of substance use
Parents who discuss the dangers of alcohol or other drugs, and prepare their students
for the realities of campus life, can help reduce the temptation to join in when others
are engaging in risky behavior. It is also key for parents to model responsible behavior,
especially when it comes to substance use. (Note: Campus environment can also be a
general risk factor. For instance, if fraternities and sororities dominate the social scene,
the likelihood of heavy drinking is higher.)
Alcohol's effects on the body
Our bodies can process 1.5 ounces of alcohol in one hour—that equals one standard
drink, which is a 5-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce can of beer, or a 1.5-ounce shot of
80-proof alcohol. Large amounts of alcohol depress the central nervous system, which
slows breathing and heartbeat. Too much alcohol is very toxic to the body.
Personal risk factors
Certain personal factors put a student at greater risk for alcohol’s harmful effects.
These include:
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fatigue
depressed mood
illness or medical condition
medications or other drugs
low body weight and small build
female gender
genetics and a family history of alcoholism
Go to the MyStudentBody–Parent portion of the website to review more articles and
videos about this subject. (To access the site, contact your student’s campus health
office for a code.)
My son never knew that his dad is a recovering alcoholic
because his dad stopped drinking a long time ago. …I told him
that being in college and away from home means he has to be
responsible about the things that he does, and this is one thing
that he needs to be really careful about.
—Parent of College Student
Secondhand effects of alcohol use
Not all college students drink. But most students experience secondhand effects of
alcohol—the negative results that one person’s drinking has on other people. What
kinds of effects? A four-year survey revealed these secondhand drinking effects at
a mid-level binge drinking campus (with the approximate percentage of students
reporting that effect).
• Having studying or sleep interrupted because of others’ partying: 61 percent
• Needing to “babysit” someone who drank too much: 54 percent
• Being insulted or humiliated: 29 percent
• Experiencing unwanted sexual advances: 20 percent of females
• Getting into a serious argument: 19 percent
• Having property damaged: 14 percent
• Being pushed, hit, or assaulted in some way: 10 percent
More than three-quarters of all students living on campus reported at least one
secondhand effect of another student’s drinking. The situation is even worse in
fraternity and sorority houses. For instance, one study showed that on campuses
with high drinking rates, 83% of non–binge drinkers who lived in Greek houses have
experienced secondhand effects.
If your student is fed up with dealing with the secondhand effects of a friend’s alcohol
use, discuss some strategies for addressing the problem. The student can:
• Talk to the friend (when sober) in a nonaccusatory way about how that person’s
drinking is affecting others. Recommended: Prepare responses ahead of time in case
the friend gets angry or defensive.
• Set boundaries and, if they aren’t respected, be willing to stay away from the friend
when he or she is drunk
I didn’t expect kids to be getting belligerently drunk on a
Tuesday night at like three in the morning.
—College Student
The risk of prescription medication misuse
Misuse involves more than abusing a medication. In fact, many people misuse
medications without even knowing it. Examples of medication misuse include:
• getting medication for one ailment, but taking it for another
• sharing it with somebody (even if they have the same medical problem)
• not taking the medication as prescribed
It’s very important your student understands the hazards of misusing medications.
Among the critical points to discuss are:
Legal implications: Prescription drugs are considered controlled substances, and, as
such, misuse constitutes a major violation of the college’s policy on alcohol and other
drugs. It may also violate state and federal laws.
Physical dangers: Taking a prescription drug can be toxic, and even fatal. Interactions
with other medications, physical side effects (such as vomiting or extreme restlessness),
and overdose are among the dangers for people taking drugs not prescribed for them.
Potential for addiction: Some prescription medications pose a risk for dependency. For
example, the painkillers called opioids contain the same substance found in heroin. And
some ADHD medications and sleeping pills can be addictive if taken incorrectly.
What's the bottom line?
Prevention means helping your student make wise decisions about alcohol and other
drug use from the get-go. Make time to talk to your student about these prevention
strategies:
• Explain how alcohol affects the body.
• Discuss risk factors that can increase the harmful effects of drinking alcohol.
• Talk about addressing the secondhand effects of alcohol use.
• Talk openly about the risks of prescription drug misuse, and listen to your student’s
concerns.
Visit MyStudentBody.com for more information about the program
Warning Signs: Recognizing
Unhealthy Coping Skills
Heavy workloads, challenging classes, and new relationships — all these factors can
contribute to college students’ stress levels. Many college students admit to feeling
anxious and worried, and freshmen are often hit hardest. Students report stress as the
main factor affecting their academic performance.
Signs of stress
Stress may be affecting your college student in many different ways, and he or she
may not even realize it. Identifying how stress can manifest is the first step towards
combating it.
The top five warning signs of stress:
1. Sleep: Increasing or decreasing hours of sleep; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
2. Appetite: Loss of appetite or eating more
3. Emotions: Moodiness; getting angry or crying easily
4. Mental state: Difficulty concentrating; anxiety over everyday things
5. Sociability: Withdrawing from friends and family; starting to use or increasing use of
alcohol or other drugs
Coping with stress
Since stress is unavoidable, help students learn to cope with it effectively. Proven
strategies to cope with stress include regular exercise, healthy nutrition (particularly
cutting back on caffeine and sugar), and fun social activities.
Unfortunately, some students turn to alcohol or other drugs as a stress-reliever, which
can actually make the situation worse. The warning signs of alcohol or other drug use
are harder to spot if your student is attending college away from home. But you may
notice significant or even dramatic differences in your student’s behavior when you talk
on the phone or visit campus.
Recognize telltale signs that drinking or other drug use is affecting your student:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
frequency of phone calls (sharp dropoff or increase)
availability (not around at the usual times or difficult to reach)
drop in grades
change in friends
frequent need for money
sounds hungover when you speak in the morning
physical appearance or home environment unusually unkempt
mood (depressed, irritable, anxious)
Seeking assistance
Some students may benefit from professional counseling. Many schools provide these
services right on campus. Assure your son or daughter that counseling is confidential
and visits will not appear in student records. Professional support can be just what
some students need to cope with stress and overcome difficulties.
What's the bottom line?
When the stress level is manageable, college can be fun and rewarding. Help your
student learn to identify the warning signs of stress early and develop healthy coping
strategies.
• Discuss the signs of stress.
• Discuss the effects of unhealthy coping skills.
• Look out for any telltale signs that stress is negatively affecting your student.
• S
uggest that your student seek counseling if he or she is having trouble coping with
stress.
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Support for Students:
Where to Get Help
College is a major milestone toward greater independence. While many students are
ready for this new experience, it can also be daunting to leave behind family, friends,
and a familiar environment. New students need support to make a smooth transition—
support not only from parents but also from the new campus community.
Social support
Friendships at college are an important source of support. Building relationships with
peers, staff, and faculty can significantly affect your student’s adjustment to college.
Students with strong social networks are also less likely to abuse alcohol or other drugs.
Campus resources
College campuses have various resources to help students adjust and to promote their
health and safety. Campus health centers provide primary medical care to students,
and campus counseling services offer confidential support. Colleges also have police or
security departments, which often provide an escort service for students. Many colleges
have call boxes located around the campus for use in an emergency. Check out the type
of resources your student’s college offers; they differ from school to school.
Campus activities
Encourage your son or daughter to get involved with
extracurricular activities to meet other students with
similar interests. Participating in school activities
broadens perspectives and builds skills and
confidence. Studies have shown that extracurricular
activities also offer these benefits:
• reduced levels of risky behavior
• greater interpersonal skills
• improved school engagement
• higher levels of educational achievement
• better time-management skills
Be careful of campus organizations that are known for social events that encourage
underage drinking. You may not want your student to be involved in those types of
extracurricular groups. If this is the case, then steer your student towards organizations
with a different focus, and those who are less likely to condone risky behavior.
Five organizations to suggest to your student
1. Student government
2. Sports
3. Theatre or music
4. Student publications
5. Faith-based organizations
What's the bottom line?
New students need to build a support system for themselves on campus to grow more
comfortable and confident in their new surroundings. Help your student figure out
different ways to achieve this goal.
1. Encourage your student to build a social network at school.
2. Find out what health and safety resources are offered at your student’s college, and
be sure your son or daughter has a phone number for each one. (Check the college
website or www.mystudentbody.com for more information.)
3. Encourage your student to get involved in extracurricular activities.
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Rules and Regulations:
Campus Policies and the Law
College students and their parents should be aware of the laws and campus policies
regarding alcohol and other drugs, as well as the consequences if these regulations are
violated.
It's the law
The laws about alcohol and other drugs apply even on a college campus, so college
students need to know that it is illegal to:
• drink under the age of 21
• drive under the influence of alcohol
• provide alcohol to a minor
The penalty for breaking the law varies by state and can include losing your driver’s
license, paying a fine, or spending time in jail.
Know your campus policies
Each colleges has its own policies regarding alcohol and other drugs. These policies,
and the consequences, differ at every campus, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the
policies and discuss them with your student.
If I looked at every judicial case we’ve had on campus, probably
85 percent of them are alcohol-related.
—Associate Dean of Students
Long-term consequences of violations
In addition to the short-term penalties for alcohol or other drug violations, a police
record can affect a college student’s future employment opportunities. For instance, an
arrest for underage drinking can stay on a student’s record for years and may impact
financial aid or the ability to get certified or licensed in some professions.
As a parent with a son on financial aid, merit scholarships,
and some need-based loans, I was explicitly clear with him about
alcohol and drugs. I told him that if he did anything to jeopardize
his financial package, such as getting arrested for drinking, DUIs,
etc., his college life would come to an abrupt end, and that his
scholarships would turn into loans that had to be paid off.
—Parent of College Student
Students’ rights for staying safe
In addition to alcohol and other drug policies, colleges also have several laws in place to
protect students’ safety rights.
• Jeanne Cleary Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act
(2010): All colleges must report campus crime statistics every year. Schools must also
present timely warnings about any crimes that pose an ongoing threat to the campus
community.
• Campus Sexual Assault Victims’ Bill of Rights, signed into law in 1992: All colleges that
participate in federal student aid programs must offer sexual assault survivors basic
rights, such as being present at judicial hearings, options to notify law enforcement,
options to receive counseling services, and options for changing academic or living
situations.
• Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (2000): All colleges must provide information
about convicted, registered sex offenders who are either enrolled in or employed at
the institution.
What's the bottom line?
Students typically adhere to laws and policies that support their well-being and their
future, so spend time talking about the rules and regulations with your student.
• Review campus alcohol and other drug policies, and be sure your son or daughter
understands the consequences if those policies are violated.
• Find out the legal consequences for underage drinking in the state where your
student attends college.
• Discuss the potential long-term consequences for violating campus policies or the law.
• Review campus safety policies and the existing federal sexual violence laws.
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National Resources
Alcohol
Sexual Violence
Alcohol Policy Information System
alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov
Male Survivor
www.malesurvivor.org
American College Health Association
www.achancha.org
Men Can Stop Rape
www.mencanstoprape.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
www.nsvrc.org
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Office on Violence Against Women
www.ovw.usdoj.gov
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism
www.niaaa.nih.gov
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration
www.samhsa.gov
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
(RAINN)
www.rainn.org
Security on Campus, Inc.
www.securityoncampus.org
Victim Rights Law Center
www.victimrights.org
Drugs
Medicine Safety: A Toolkit for Families
www.learnaboutrxsafety.org
National Center on Addiction and
Substance Abuse at Columbia University
www.casacolumbia.org
NIDA for Students
www.drugabuse.gov/students.html
Office of National Drug Control Policy,
Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention
www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp
Partnership for a Drug Free America
www.drugfree.org
Street Drugs
www.streetdrugs.org
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