September 2002

Up for discussion: Alcohol

Every parent sends his or her child off to college with at least some trepidation about alcohol. What can you expect at UC Davis?

"UC Davis is not a party school in the 'Animal House' sense," says Pat Lindsay, associate director for health promotion at the Cowell Student Health Center, but no university is problem-free.

In a recent survey, one third of UC Davis students said they drank little or nothing in the preceding year, but another large segment, 22.4 percent, admitted to high-risk drinking (five or more drinks in a sitting) during the two weeks prior to the survey.

The university sponsors alcohol awareness programs, but how can you help keep your child safe?

Lindsay urges parents to speak with their students. "Make it an actual conversation, as opposed to just giving your expectations. Most likely, the student is coming with life experience the parents donít know about. Parents should respect that their student has thought about these things."

What should you discuss? Everyoneís situation is different, but here are some ideas:

• Does your child know "the rules?" Alcohol is not permitted on campus except in private rooms of residents over 21 and at approved locations with required permits. These rules will be reinforced for students their first evening on campus during mandatory meetings in the residence halls.
  
  
• What might happen during freshman year? Even though your student is underage, she might be invited to parties where alcohol is served. If friends are going, it's hard to say "no." What dangers might she encounter?
  
  
• The urge to experiment can become very powerful. How will your student identify trustworthy friends? Whatís wrong with drinking quickly or in quantity? Why do alcohol and other drugs often lead to unwanted sex?
  
  
• Discuss how your student might handle the situation if his roommate brings alcohol into the room.
  
  
• Freshmen can find themselves in a frightening situation, even if they donít drink. Does your student know the signs of alcohol poisoning? Details are available on a wallet card that will be distributed to all residence hall students. Does she understand that it's better to "get caught" than to risk a life?
  
  
• Tell your child about campus resources.

  Resources include the Campus Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention program, established in 1990, which offers educational programs and brochures, peer support groups and referrals for treatment. Trained peer advisers talk with students about alcohol and drug use, as well as other health topics, and professionals can be consulted through the Cowell Student Health Center and the Counseling Center.

  

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