Alcohol and the College Transition

During the first six weeks of college, students have a high risk of beginning to use alcohol. As students move in and start this new chapter of their lives, whether to drink is one of many decisions they will have to make. You can help set your child up for success by informing them of the risks of underage drinking and engaging them in a dialogue about college substance use.  

The Real Statistics 

One problem when it comes to underage drinking is that many teens believe that more of their peers drink regularly than actually do. Here are the real statistics regarding teen alcohol use, according to the University of Michigan: 

• 80.5% of college students reported drinking in the past year. 

• 62.5% of college students reported drinking in the past 30 days. 

• 27.7% of college students reported having 5 or more drinks at least once in the past 2 weeks. 

These numbers may sound high, but it can be helpful to put them in perspective: 

• 1 in 5 college students does not drink. 

• Over 1/3 of college students reported not drinking in the past 30 days. 

• ¾ of college students reported not binge drinking once in the past 2 weeks. 

These facts reveal that more students decide not to drink than many teens assume. Share the truth with your child and help them recognize that they’re not alone in living their safe and sober lifestyle. Many college students choose to avoid substances, despite what may be portrayed in popular films, social media, or elsewhere. Your teen will feel more comfortable saying ‘no’ and not seeking out events with alcohol if they know that drinking is not as popular as the media portrays it. 

You’re more influential than you think. 

It’s true that teenagers are influenced by a number of sources, including media and friends. However, research shows that the most common source teens get health information from is the internet, and the second most common source is their parents. Additionally, teens report that they feel their parents are a much more reliable source than the internet.  

Even if it feels like your child isn’t paying attention to you or listening to your advice, studies show that your words and actions make an impact and can help serve as a protective factor against substance misuse. Talk to your teens. You can be the reason that they pause and think before making the decision to drink.