College and Alcohol Abuse
It’s that time of year again: fall leaves, football games, sweaters, and, for some, college. Many parents feel concerned about sending their kids to college and wonder if their kids will be wise when it comes to alcohol. Parents of college freshman (or college students younger than 21) wonder how and why alcohol seems to be available to their kids (since it’s been reported that as many as 80 percent of college students admit to drinking alcohol during their time in school).
Below are 4 main points to consider:
- Older students buy alcohol for younger students : Individuals of all ages interact during college
- Kids will be kids – even if they are college kids! Colleges have rules about underage drinking but whether or not students choose to obey those rules is up to them.
- Parties and events: ID is generally not required to obtain alcohol when attending a party or event during college.
- Stealing alcohol: College students have been known to do crazy things and theft is definitely one of them. Sometimes young college students steal alcohol to drink before they are 21.
Having open, honest, discussions with your child as they grow up and as they leave for college in relation to alcohol use will help facilitate responsible attitudes and behaviors for your college student.