Talk to your student about alcohol consumption
Posted by Pamela Williams
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk, Pexels.
By Laura Woods-Buchanan, S&T student well-being.
One of the most common misconceptions surrounding the “typical college experience” is that most/all students drink. In reality, 42% of Missouri S&T students have never drank alcohol, and (of the students that do drink), only 49% have drank alcohol in the past year.
However, many students that do drink may do so in an unhealthy way, or in a way that may affect their academics. 15% of S&T students have engaged in binge drinking (5 or more drinks in under two hours), and 21% of students have had their studying or sleep interrupted due to drinking alcohol.
*Data points come from the 2024 Missouri Assessment of College Health Behaviors (MACHB) that Missouri S&T students complete every spring semester.
As a guardian or family member of a university student, it can be difficult to recognize if your student is drinking alcohol in an unhealthy way or if they need support. Below are some tips to keep in mind from the student well-being department, along with some resources that may help you out!
Talk to your student about practicing safer drinking habits
While you may not be able to control if and how much your student drinks, you instead can make sure they know of ways to drink in a safer way. Some safer drinking habits are always using a sober designated driver, avoiding drinking games, determining a maximum number of drinks to consume before going out, alternating water and alcohol, eating before/during alcohol consumption, never setting drinks down/knowing where your drink has been at all times, and coming to and leaving a gathering with the same friend/group of friends.
Know the signs of alcohol misuse/abuse
Some signs include being unable to limit the amount they drink, wanting to cut back but feeling unable or helpless to do so, allowing drinking to affect their daily life (i.e. academics, social connections, jobs, or staying in touch with family), missing classes or important engagements, using alcohol in unsafe situations (such as swimming or driving), and/or having all stories/experiences relate back to being drunk or blacking out. You may also notice changes in their social engagements, such as no longer seeing friends who typically don’t drink or participating less in their typically sober activities.
If you notice these signs in your student, talk to them in a nonjudgemental way and approach the conversation in a safe space and when you are both calm. While they may feel like drinking is just a part of the college experience, you can showcase to them that almost half of S&T students have not consumed alcohol in the past year and on a typical night out, Miners who drink will consume 2 drinks on average. Show them that you care about their wellbeing and success and inform them that there are resources on campus available to support them.
Know the resources available for alcohol misuse and abuse
Alcohol Use Screenings and Intervention: Student well-being offers a judgement-free, private consultation for students who are interested in changing their drinking habits called BASICS, or Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students. This is NOT an abstinence-only program, and will teach the student how to reduce risky behaviors associated with alcohol consumption.
Miners4Recovery Support Group: This confidential counselor-led support group allows the student to explore their behaviors, reflect on ideas for change, avoid negative consequences related to drugs and alcohol, and experience the support of a safe group. This group is also not an abstinence-only program.
Collegiate Recovery Ally Training: Consider taking the Collegiate Recovery Ally Training, a program that teaches you how to support any individual in recovery from substance use disorders. The training covers substance use disorders and recovery, myths and stigmas about substance use disorders, using person-first, recovery-friendly language, and how to support someone seeking, or already in, recovery.
Consider filling out a UCARE referral if you aren’t able to communicate with your student. If you feel like your student is struggling and you can’t communicate with them effectively or are worried about their safety, consider submitting a UCARE referral. UCARE referrals allow for a trained case manager to reach out to the student and connect them with resources or services they may need, or to escalate the situation if the student is in danger of harming themselves or others. Submitting a referral can be anonymous, if you desire, and does not affect the student’s academic record or academic standing in any way.
Family & Friends
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Phone: 573-341-6323 • Website: http://family.mst.edu/
