Communicating with Your Student About Alcohol and Drugs

The University of Colorado Boulder strives to provide a healthy learning and living environment, and is committed to the health and wellness of our students. The use of alcohol and drugs can impact a student's social and emotional well-being. CU Boulder provides resources, programming, and communication to bring awareness to how alcohol and drug use affects students' health and wellness during their time on campus.

Family members are crucial partners in the academic success of their student. It’s important to have an open and ongoing dialogue with students about important issues, especially when they may be exposed to new situations involving alcohol and drugs.  During their time at college, students may choose to experiment with alcohol and drugs for a variety of reasons or they may be impacted by someone else’s decision to experiment. 

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.  Here are some communication tips to consider –

• Listen – Allow your student to share without interrupting or judging.  The more your student feels heard and unjudged, the more likely you are to have ongoing and open communication about this and other difficult topics. 

• Anticipate questions – Students may choose to experiment with drugs and alcohol for a variety of reasons – peer pressure, to socialize, to relax, boredom, etc. Consider these reasons when anticipating your conversation and alternative activities to suggest for your student. Additionally, if you’re asking your student questions about alcohol and drug use, there’s a good chance they will ask you about your experiences with alcohol and drugs.  Anticipate these questions and consider sharing your own experiences and what you’ve learned from them.

• Emphasize common goals – If your student becomes defensive or feels like they’re getting a lecture, remind them that you want to help them be prepared for situations they may face. 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.

CU Boulder offers a variety of resources to support both students and families:

• Alcohol and Other Drugs Information - this site provides students, families, faculty, staff and community members with a centralized source of information, resources, programs and policies around alcohol and other drugs.
• The Office of the Dean of Students supports and advocates for students, and connects them with resources essential to their ongoing success.
• Student Support and Case Management offers assistance with referrals to campus and community resources and assists in developing an action plan with the student.
• Counseling & Psychiatric Services offers confidential, on-campus mental health and psychiatric services for a variety of concerns including academics, anxiety, depression, relationships, substance use and more.
• Health Promotion provides outreach and education on a variety of health topics, including alcohol and other drugs.
• CU Collegiate Recovery Community supports students in recovery or seeking recovery, and those interested in being a part of a healthy, sober community.