Alcohol and Drugs

Talking with Your Student

Talking with your son or daughter is very important - especially if you have reason to believe they may be using and/or abusing alcohol or other drugs. Some key things to consider as you initiate these challenging conversations:

• Work to establish an open & trusting relationship. This ideally begins before your student comes to campus, however, it is never too late to start or start over.
• Be a good role model. Don't be surprised if your student mirrors your behavior. One of the biggest predictors of adolescent drug abuse is parental substance abuse patterns.
• Be factual and straightforward. If you have a concern, be direct about the concern that has developed.
• Stay away from using "scare tactics". While reasonable consequences are helpful - empty threats and yelling are not.

Set clear expectations about such things as:

• Attending class
• Drinking and driving
• Financial responsibility
• Study time vs. social time
• How you will stay in touch
• Ask questions:
  • Tell me about how things are going?
  • How does the party scene compare to high school?
  • What is residence life like? What do you like and dislike?
  • How are you handling the stress of college? What are you doing to cope?
  • What can we do to help?

If you have questions about your student's behavior that you would like to discuss with a professional, please give us a call at 310-506-4210 or e-mail the Alcohol Education Coordinator, Sparkle Greenhaw, at sparkle.greenhaw@pepperdine.edu .