Exploring Student Affairs: Talking about alcohol, other drugs

Students may choose to experiment with alcohol and other drugs for a variety of reasons. Approaching the topics of substance use and having a conversation with students can help when it comes to the choices they make and knowing when to get help in an emergency.

In addition to obvious signs of substance use, such as a student saying they are hungover, appearing hungover or smelling of alcohol or marijuana, less obvious signs like frequent injuries, lack of engagement, sleep difficulties or academic struggles may prompt a conversation. If you notice any of these, it does not necessarily mean a student is struggling with substance use, but sharing what you notice and your concerns can open up a conversation.

Here are some tips provided by Health Promotion on talking with students about alcohol and other drugs.

Explore the upsides, downsides of substance use

By exploring the good aspects first, we lower a student’s resistance to having a conversation about substance use. Ask them what they like about drinking, using marijuana, etc., and what positive aspects matter most to them. Next, explore the not-so-good things; this allows students to name for themselves the reasons they may want to consider a change in their use.

Approaching the conversation

There are a few things we can do during a conversation to make the student feel more comfortable:

• Meet students where they are. If a person isn’t open to having the conversation, don’t push it and just let it be.
• Talk to a student when they are free of distractions.
• Don’t make assumptions.
• Avoid labeling or normalizing behavior.
• Express concern, not judgment.
• Remain calm, empathetic and understanding.
• Explore how the downsides of substance use might be negatively impacting the student’s goals and values. 

Offer strategies to reduce harm

Protective behavioral strategies can be used to reduce the harm associated with substance use.

• Eat before drinking, and continue to eat food and drink water throughout the night.
• Alternate drinks with water or other non-alcoholic drinks.
• Set a limit before going out and stick to it.
• Get home safe. Use the free CU NightRide or a rideshare like Lyft or Uber.
• Stop drinking or leave the bar/party at a predetermined time.
• Drink at your own pace; avoid trying to keep up with someone else.
• Avoid mixing prescription drugs with alcohol. This is the most common cause of overdose.
• Know how much is in one serving of alcohol: 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, 5 ounces of wine and 12 ounces of beer.
• Make a plan with friends before going out and stick to it. If plans need to change, talk about it as a group.
• Know the signs of alcohol poisoning and how to put someone in the recovery position.

Provide information about CU Boulder’s Amnesty Policy

The purpose of the Amnesty Policy is to facilitate an educational- and safety-focused response to qualifying incidents rather than a disciplinary consequence. In alcohol and drug related emergencies:

• Call 911 and put the person in the recovery position.
• Stay with the person until help arrives.
• Cooperate with emergency staff and responders.

If a student calls for help, neither the student nor the person they are calling for will be subject to formal university disciplinary sanctions.

For more information about alcohol and other drugs, visit www.colorado.edu/aod.