Having a conversation about substance use
Family members are crucial partners in the academic success of their student. It鈥檚 important to have an open and ongoing dialogue with students about important issues, especially when your student may be exposed to situations involving alcohol and drugs.听The use of alcohol and drugs can affect a student's social and emotional well-being.听During their time at college, students may choose to experiment with alcohol and drugs for a variety of reasons or they may be affected by someone else鈥檚 decision to experiment.听
Approaching the topic of substance use and having a non-judgmental conversation with your student can help when it comes to the choices they make and knowing when to seek help for themselves or others.听Here are some communication tips to consider:
- Listen听鈥 Allow your student to share without interrupting or judging.听 The more your student feels heard, the more likely you are to have ongoing and open communication about this and other difficult topics.听Try asking open-ended questions to get your student talking and truly understand their perspective.
- 听Explore why students may use substances - Students may choose to experiment with drugs and alcohol for a variety of reasons 鈥 peer pressure, to socialize, to relax, boredom, etc. Consider these reasons when anticipating your conversation and think of alternative activities to suggest for your student. Recognizing that there are 鈥減ositive鈥 reasons students may choose to use substances can help you put those into perspective.
- Anticipate questions听鈥 If you鈥檙e asking your student questions about alcohol and drug use, there鈥檚 a good chance they will ask you about your experiences with alcohol and drugs.听Anticipate these questions, and consider sharing your own experiences and what you learned from them.
- Emphasize common goals听鈥 If your student becomes defensive or feels like they鈥檙e getting a lecture, remind them that you want to help them be prepared for situations they may encounter. Focus the conversation on the common goals you both share around this topic - you both want your student to be healthy, safe and successful at CU.
As a university, we strive to provide a healthy learning and living environment, and are committed to the health and wellness of our students.听We offer programming and ongoing messaging to bring awareness to how alcohol and drug use affects students' health and well-being during their time on campus and beyond.
Additionally, we have a variety of resources to support both students and families:
- 听website provides students, families, faculty, staff and community members with a centralized source of information, resources, programs and policies around alcohol and other drugs.
- 听supports and advocates for students, and connects them with resources essential to their ongoing success.
- The Parent Handbook for Talking with College Students About Alcohol
- 听offers assistance with referrals to campus and community resources and assists in developing an action plan with the student.
- 听offers confidential, on-campus mental health and psychiatric services for a variety of concerns including academics, anxiety, depression, relationships, substance use and more.
- 听provides outreach, education and workshops on a variety of health topics, including alcohol and other drugs.
- 听supports students in recovery or seeking recovery, and those interested in being a part of a healthy, sober community. They offer free support meetings, sober social events, recovery coaching, resources and referrals.听