Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention

A.S.A.P. Resources for Parents

You Play An Important Role.

Parents and Family Members: did you know that you have a greater influence on your college student’s behaviors than you might think? Research shows that by having honest, face-to-face conversations with your student, you can have a positive effect on their attitude towards alcohol. This may hold true for other issues, as well. Please see below for some helpful resources about how to talk with your students about these tough topics, as well as information about specific Mines resources that you may want to pass on to your students.

[Turrisi, R., & Ray, A. E. (2010). Sustained parenting and college drinking in first-year students. Developmental psychobiology, 52(3), 286–294. doi:10.1002/dev.20434]

 3 Quick Links

Talk about Drinking and Alcohol Use

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has published some helpful information for parents of college students about alcohol use. The consequences of binge drinking and underage alcohol abuse can be severe, but as they say:

“An often-overlooked protective factor involves the continuing influence of parents. Research shows that students who abstain from drinking often do so because their parents discussed alcohol use and its adverse consequences with them.”

Check out the information on their website or download a pdf.

Mother and daughter having a heartfelt conversation<br />

Assessments and Screenings

Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if someone you care about should connect with a health or mental health professional. The Personal Feedback Intervention (PFI) is a free, confidential, and highly-effective tool that allows students to uncover and examine the impact and consequences of their alcohol-related behavior. Plus, students can be entered into a sweepstakes for $100 DoorDash gift cards for completing the PFI! The PFI is presented by 360 Proof—a comprehensive evidence-based program.

Students can also take a Mental Health Test with Mental Health America, including the option for an Addiction Test. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. After a mental health test, they will see information, resources, and tools to help them understand and improve their mental health.

A doctor analyzing information on his tablet with the patient

Medications and Alcohol

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can affect the way that alcohol impacts the body. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has a helpful pamphlet that lists many medications that can cause harm when taken with alcohol and describes the effects that can result.

A women holding some medication with water in her hand

Student Outreach and Support

Mines Student Outreach and Support (SOS) helps students navigate personal and academic challenges they may face while at Mines through case management and resource connection. If you are worried about a friend, you may make a referral to SOS. The SOS case managers have a significant amount of resources available to help students to be successful. All referrals are treated with the highest possible level of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion. It is important that you provide as much information as possible in SOS referrals, although it is possible to make a report anonymously.

Mines Amnesty Policy

All students should know that their health, safety, and general welfare are of the utmost concern to the faculty, staff, students, and administration. Mines has established an Amnesty Policy to reduce barriers related to seeking help during medical emergencies due to fear of potential policy violations. View the full policy in Mines’ Student Code of Conduct, Section 6, B.

View the Amnesty for Health and Safety Flowchart.

Additional Resources for Students

Mines for Recovery and Awareness is a student-led group with the aim to provide an inclusive and compassionate space for all students, whether sober-curious, sober by choice, in recovery, or simply seeking to better understand and support others. The community is voluntary, respects anonymity, and is driven by Mines students. Students can find more information and get connected on our Recovery Resources page.

Colorado Crisis Services provides a wealth of information in the state of Colorado. Contact them with more immediate questions about local in-person treatment options.

In addition, students may find support in the local community.

Other Educational Resources

Education and Wellness Materials from MindWise:

Materials from the Coalition of Colorado Campus Alcohol and Drug Educators:

A.S.A.P. Resources

The Sound of Your Voice is a short animated video that encourages parents to talk with college-bound students about alcohol use. View the video to learn why this conversation is critical to a safe and successful college experience.

Need tips on how to start the conversation and what to say? Download Talking With Your College-Bound Young Adult About Alcohol

Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention for 2022