What Your Child Needs to Know About Alcohol Abuse at College

Getting teenagers to listen to you when have something to tell them is very difficult. But sometimes you must find a way to talk to them about very important information.

Consuming alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal in every US state, but that doesn't stop teenagers from abusing it. Alcohol is very popular at teenage parties, and college campuses. Kids die from drinking too much at Frat parties. The students drink to forget the pressures they are under like being away from home for the first time, and the class loads that they have. Its easier then most people think to get alcohol as a teenager.

What they need to know about Alcohol:

It interferes with judgment. If you're under the influence of alcohol, they could make mistakes that will affect the rest of their lives. If they are drinking and driving, they could be arrested, be in a serious accident or worse yet, killing someone and they will have to live with that knowledge for the rest of their lives. Being drunk also increases the chance of doing stupid stunts that may kill them. Not only can a child die from accidents, but they can get alcohol poisoning. This is where the body can not absorb all the alcohol and it will kill some people. Although this is rare, it does occur

If they are drinking at a co-ed party, they can be placed in risky situations that they can't get themselves out of. They can be the victim of date-rape they can contact sexually transmitted diseases, or can become pregnant without remembering.

Alcohol can lead to the use of other illegal drugs. Studies have shown that illegal drug use is more likely to occur with teenagers that drink alcohol on a regular basis.

Alcohol can interfere with brain development in teenagers. It can make them become depended on alcohol caring less about school, grades, and their other interests.

How to talk to your child before they go to college:

Up to now, you have probably had several conversations about drinking with them. Now you need to explain the temptations that they will have away from home, and how they may want to fit into the drinking crowd, and give them several good alternatives on how to avoid alcohol. Remind them if they are under the age of 21 that it is illegal, and that they can be arrested. They don't have to drink to fit in they can drink non alcoholic beverages and still appear cool.

Keeping the communication open with your teenager will be your best defense once they leave home they will depend on your advice more. Always let them know that they can call you no matter when if they need to talk.