How to Talk With Your Student About Alcohol
It is important for parents to have open and ongoing conversations about alcohol and other drugs. This can be an opportunity for honest dialogue regarding your expectations and your student's expectations. It is important to maintain this dialogue throughout their time at Boston College.
Talking Points:
Set clear and realistic expectations regarding academic performance
If your student chooses to drink, encourage them to use low-risk drinking strategies
Know the alcohol scene on campus and talk about it
Encourage your student to be involved on campus
Stress that alcohol is toxic and excessive consumption can be fatal
Encourage your student to educate themselves about the impact of alcohol on all areas of health
Avoid telling your student your personal tales of drinking exploits from your own college years
Make it clear—underage alcohol consumption is against the law
Determine a drinking limit in advance—a BAC of lower than .06
Don't let others get you a drink or mix a drink for you
Don't mix alcohol with stimulants, such as Red Bull
Keep track of how much you drink by counting standard drinks
Alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Space your drinks out over time
Eat before and while you are drinking
Experiment with drinking less and refusing drinks
Avoid situations where drinking shots is happening
Avoid drinking games
Act as a designated driver
Refuse a ride from someone who has been drinking or is high
Use a buddy system so you and a friend can watch out for each other