Why have these conversations?
- As your student steps into their newfound independence, they may face increased social pressures and decisions around alcohol and other drugs
- Students tend to overestimate their peers’ substance use, which could lead them to engage in risky behavior to “fit in”
- Substances have the potential to impact your student’s health and future
- You remain an important influence in your student’s life even as the college journey begins
Conversation Starters
- Do you know someone that drinks a lot? How has it affected them?
- How will you balance school with opportunities to party? How might substances impact your goals?
- What could help a person stay safe if they choose to drink?
- What would you do if someone hands you an alcoholic drink or edible at a party?
- What may be some reasons a person chooses to drink or consume cannabis/marijuana? What are some alternatives?
Conversation Tips
- Plan a calm time to talk without any distractions
- Approach the conversation with a supportive tone- when people feel judged, they tend to shut down
- Ask open-ended questions that require more than a one-word reply
- Listen to what your student has to say- if only one person is talking, it’s not a conversation
- Paraphrase what you hear to ensure you understand what your student means
- Share your expectations surrounding choices and behavior- explain what is and what is not okay with you
- If you share your own experiences, be sure not to glamourize the use alcohol or other drugs
- Share the effects substances can have on the body and the potential academic, legal, and physical risks
- Acknowledging that there are a variety of reasons people may choose to consume substances and discussing alternatives can help your student think through their choices in various situations
- Normalize that not all students consume substances
Did you know?
The top 3 reasons WashU students don’t drink:
- No desire to drink or not interested
- To avoid worrying about negative consequences
- Personal values/beliefs
(WashU MACHB 2026; N=569)
As we know, most students overestimate their peers’ use of substances.
WashU Resources
- WashU has many resources to support student well-being. Click here to learn more.
- Click here to see WashU’s alcohol and other drugs-related resources and substance safety information
- The Missouri Personalized Alcohol, Cannabis, and Tobacco (MPACT) Feedback Program provides students with personalized feedback on substance use and reaffirms those who choose to abstain from substances. Remind your student to take the MPACT before move-in to avoid an account hold.
Family Resources
- College Parents Matter– communication tips, talking points, and quarterly newsletter
- Talk They Hear You– parent resources for leading conversations
- Partnership to End Addiction– how to talk to your college student about drinking before high-risk party weekends
- NIAAA– effects of alcohol on the body, facts, and parent resources
- NIDA– cannabis facts and risks*
*The THC concentration in today’s cannabis products is significantly higher than products used in previous generations. Higher THC concentrations are associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing health concerns
WashU Policies Regarding Substances
- If your student lives in WashU housing, you can view related policies here.
- The WashU Conduct Code sets forth community standards and expectations for all students. You can view The Code here.
- WashU’s Medical Amnesty & Active Bystander Policy encourages students to seek medical care in an alcohol or other drug-related emergency. You can view the policy here.