Binge drinking can be a problem for some college students. The false myth of FSU being a “party school” can cause some students to feel pressured to engage in such behaviors. However, most FSU students are not engaging in unsafe alcohol behavior.
Did you Know...?
- Only 38% of FSU students reported consuming 4 or more drinks the last time they drank 1
- 80% of students reported not operating or driving a car while intoxicated 1
- 85% of FSU students reported using a designated driver “most of the time” or “always” after drinking 1
What you can do?
Here are a few protective strategies you can share with your student if they choose to drink:
- Eat before and while drinking
- Avoid drinking games, pre-gaming, or chugging
- Pace drinks to 1 alcoholic drink per hour
- Use the buddy system
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks
- Don’t mix alcohol with energy drinks
- Use a designated driver
- Make your own drinks
Parents, we need your help!
Talk with your student about safer alcohol choices. A great way to start a conversation with your student is to inquire how they spend their free time. Make sure that your student understands the penalties for underage drinking, public drunkenness, using a fake ID, driving under the influence, assault, and other alcohol-related offenses. In addition, make certain that they understand how alcohol use can lead to academic failure. You should also educate them about FSU’s medical amnesty program, which can protect those who call for help when a friend is in trouble due to alcohol or drug use. For more information on medical amnesty at FSU: https://dos.fsu.edu/srr/policies/medical-amnesty-policy
For more suggestions on empowering your student to understand their behaviors, check out:
https://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/parentsandstudents/parents/default.aspx
1 NCHA data, 2014 & 2016
2 https://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/parentsandstudents/parents/default.aspx
