Talking with Your Student About Alcohol & Drug Safety

Your conversations with your student about substance use risks are one of the most effective prevention tools. Even students who choose not to drink may face risky situations during college, so open communication is essential. Consider these six conversation topics. 

 

Connect this conversation to your broader hopes for their college experience. Explain why this matters to you personally and how it fits into healthy and successful college life.

Resources: Creating conversation guide and Five conversation goals

Research shows parents have significant impact on student drinking behaviors. Be specific about your expectations and family values.

 

Discuss Missouri S&T's policies and the Standard of Conduct together. Help them understand:

 

Cover the full impact of risky substance use:

  • Academic: Lower GPA, reduced faculty engagement, poor class performance
  • Legal: Criminal charges, career implications, permanent records
  • Health: Alcohol poisoning, addiction risks, mental health effects
  • Social: Damaged relationships, safety concerns

Making students aware of the relationship between alcohol, sleepiness, and GPA that exists in college is valuable (Singleton & Wolfson, 2009)

    1. Risky consumption is associated with lower GPA, and students at research universities who are heavy episodic drinkers are less likely to be engaged in interactions with faculty (Porter & Prior, 2007)

    2. Frequency of binge drinking is associated with lower grades in the college setting (Pascarella, et al., 2007)

Ensure your student knows:

 

If substance misuse runs in your family, have an honest conversation. This knowledge helps students make informed decisions and access appropriate campus resources.

Good news! Most S&T students make responsible choices:

Percentage Statistics
48% S&T students have never consumed alcohol
4 out of 5 S&T students who choose to drink, avoid high-risk alcohol consumption
Most S&T students do not use cannabis or other drugs

Source: Missouri Assessment of College Health Behavior Survey (MACHB) 2025, N=614

Continue the Conversation

The first six weeks are critical. Stay connected and encourage your student to use campus resources:

Regular check-ins show you care and keep communication open.

Remember: This isn't a one-time talk. Keep the dialogue open throughout their college experience. Your ongoing support and honest communication can make all the difference in their safety and success.

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