An alcohol-free expert has shared five tips to help parents have meaningful conversations about alcohol with their teenagers as they progress to college.
Vanessa de Souza, founder of alcohol-free community, Vin00s, shares that many parents avoid talking about drinking with their teens, despite alcohol being the most used substance among young people in America.
With the transition to college representing a time when many young people first experience independence away from home, de Souza stresses that honest conversations before they leave home can significantly impact their decision-making around alcohol and safety.
"It is important for parents to recognize the likelihood of their teenager consuming alcohol at college. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reported in 2023 that 49.6% of full-time college students aged between 18 and 25 drank alcohol.
"While many parents skip these conversations because they feel awkward or think they might encourage drinking by mentioning it, this approach can have the opposite effect.”
Start conversations early and maintain them
Ideally, the first discussion about alcohol shouldn't happen the week before they leave for college. If possible, aim to start talking about alcohol use during high school and keep an open dialogue.
This leads to a gradual build of trust and understanding, rather than an overwhelming conversation right before they set off.
Share facts rather than scare tactics
Teens respond better to honest facts than exaggerated warnings. Explain how alcohol affects brain development, academic performance, and decision-making abilities. The adolescent brain continues developing until the mid-20s, and alcohol can interfere with this crucial process.
It is important to remind teenagers that one unit of alcohol takes the average adult about an hour to process, as this is something many young people don't realize when consuming multiple drinks.
Roleplay scenarios involving social pressure
It may be helpful to roleplay scenarios that may arise at college parties or in dorms so that your teen is prepared. Practice responses to situations where there could be peer pressure to drink and discuss possible exit strategies should they feel uncomfortable.
This would also be a good time to stress the importance of never leaving a drink unattended or accepting a drink from someone you don't know, especially if you did not see where it came from.
Talk about family history openly
If alcoholism runs in your family, your teen needs to know this increases their risk for the condition. Having a family history of alcohol problems means they may need to be more cautious than their peers.
This isn't about scaring them but rather providing them with important health information up front so they can make informed decisions.
Suggest alcohol-free alternatives
Alcohol-free alternatives may also help your teen feel included without the risks that come with underage drinking. From flavorful zero-proof beverages that mimic classic drinks to creative mocktails, there are plenty of fun and delicious substitutes that make celebrations or events just as enjoyable, without the negative impacts of alcohol.
Establish clear expectations and consequences
While it is likely that your teenager will encounter alcohol at college, parents should still make expectations about alcohol use clear and discuss what the consequences will be if issues arise. At the same time, ensure they know they can always call you for help if they find themselves in an unsafe situation.
Effective communication begins with listening, so ask your teenager what they already know about alcohol and what they've observed among their peers. Their answers will guide your conversation.
How you talk about and use alcohol at home sends powerful messages to your children and shapes their attitudes towards it. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that adolescents are four times more likely to drink alcohol if their parents binge drink.
Parents should therefore be mindful of their language around drinking, as well as their own drinking behaviors, avoiding normalizing excessive consumption or positioning alcohol as a necessary component of relaxation or celebration.
Your main goal isn't to prevent your teen from ever having a drink once they're of legal age, but to help them develop responsible attitudes and decision-making skills around alcohol.
Post courtesy: https://vin00s.com/
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