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How to Address Alcohol Abuse in College Students

man wearing academic gown, addressing alcohol abuse in college students

The journey from high school to college is exciting and challenging for young adults. For many, it is both a rite of passage and a season of life filled with new experiences and opportunities for exploration. Unfortunately, for some students, the college years can lead to lifelong substance abuse struggles and repercussions from violating underage drinking laws. We understand that alcohol abuse in college students is a pressing concern for many families. 

Alcohol use disorder often begins during college, so it is important to understand how to have open, supportive conversations with students in your life who struggle with drinking. Any discussions about alcohol addiction should have a solid foundation of communication and trust. 

Establishing a Foundation for Communication

Each student responds to the changes of the first year of college differently. For some, being away from home and free from supervision feels overwhelming, while others rush headfirst into orientation week and never look back. As the student in your life enters college, they are more likely to confide in you about their struggles if they feel supported without judgment. Here are some ways to build trust throughout your child’s high school years so that you can support them in college: 

  • Active Listening: Listen to your child’s concerns and thoughts. Show genuine interest in what they say, and avoid interrupting or dismissing their feelings.
  • Respect Independence: Acknowledge and respect your child’s growing independence. Give them space to make decisions, express their opinions, and take responsibility for their actions.
  • Provide Guidance, Not Pressure: Offer guidance without pressuring your child. Understand their strengths, interests, and limitations, and help them explore options that align with their passions.
  • Create a Safe Environment: Foster a safe and supportive home environment where your child feels comfortable expressing themselves without fear of criticism or punishment.
  • Be Patient: Understand that the transition to college is a significant life change. Patiently guide your child through the challenges and opportunities of this transition.

Alcohol abuse in college students is less likely when a student feels that they have a caring and helpful adult they can turn to for help. ILC emphasizes the importance of trust in fostering healthy relationships and addressing concerns collaboratively.

Be Brave Enough for Difficult Conversations 

As the young person you care about heads off to college, it is a good idea to make sure they understand how drinking and drug use carry risks that can cause serious consequences. For most of us, the family unit is where we learn to set boundaries and expectations. Here are some sample questions you can use to start a conversation with your kid who is getting ready for college: 

  • How do you feel about socializing in college where there might be alcohol? Have you thought about how you want to handle those situations?
  • Have you considered what your personal limits are when it comes to drinking, and how do you plan to make sure you stay within those limits?
  • Have you thought about ways to stay safe if you’re at a party where alcohol is present?
  • Do you know the signs of alcohol poisoning, and do you feel equipped to respond if you’re ever worried about someone’s well-being?

Of course, when a child leaves home for college, it is more difficult to enforce rules. Communicating your expectations carries weight when a student wants to bring you joy and pride. Establishing an open and communicative relationship early on will help students be aware of the risks of alcohol addiction in college students

Identifying Signs of Alcohol Abuse in College Students

No matter how open and supportive you are as parents, alcohol abuse in college students can still happen as they establish their independence for the first time. For some students, the exploratory nature of college can lead to compulsive behaviors and alcohol use disorder. As a parent to a college student, it is wise to understand the criteria for alcohol use disorder. If you begin to see such signs play out in the life of your college student, consider taking these additional steps: 

  • Clear Conversation: Approach your student with empathy and concern, choose a private setting, and use “I” statements. 
  • Seek Professional Advice: Consult a healthcare professional for your learning and support, and encourage your student to seek professional help if necessary.
  • Involve the School: Contact the school counselor or health services for support and information.
  • Connect with Support Groups: Explore local or online support groups for guidance and to share experiences with others.
  • Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Help your student find alternative ways to cope with stress or challenges and encourage engagement in positive activities.

It is also important to consider how adverse childhood experiences may affect a college student. Traumas that we suffer in childhood can lead to destructive patterns, and many young people begin drinking heavily in college to compensate for these traumas. We provide an addiction treatment guide to help individuals and families understand addiction better, and discover that hope is still possible. 

Resources for Support for Parents 

Normalizing the importance of seeking professional help creates a supportive environment for your child’s well-being. If your student sees you healing from your own issues, they are much more likely to consider help themselves. However, if you avoid seeking help when you need it, they may see your pleas for them to seek help as hypocritical. 

Whether a college student needs a little extra guidance during this season of their life, or if they need residential addiction treatment for alcohol abuse, it doesn’t usually do much good to force someone to get help. Instead, you can help steer them by making it easy to seek help and consistently offering your support and care. 

A Path to Healing with Integrative Life Center

Addressing alcohol abuse in college students requires a proactive and supportive approach. Integrative Life Center is committed to bringing the best team, programs, and resources to your healing journey. Our holistic treatment center is known for clinical and program excellence. It is a trusted partner for thousands of people addressing alcohol use disorder.

You’re not alone, and neither is the college student you love. Integrative Life Center is here to help your family navigate the challenges of alcohol abuse in college. Call us today at (615) 891-2226 to learn how we can collaboratively create a path to empowerment and healing.

Take the AUDIT Assessment Today

If you’re concerned about your child’s relationship with alcohol, take the first step by completing our Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) assessment. This confidential tool can provide valuable insights and guide you toward the support your child needs. 

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