College Parents of America suggests the following guidelines for parents when talking about alcohol and other drugs with their college student(s):

1. Set clear and realistic expectations regarding academic performance.
2. Stress that alcohol and other drugs are toxic and excessive consumption can fatally poison.
3. Tell students to intervene when classmates are in trouble with alcohol or other drugs.
4. Tell students to stand up for their right to a safe academic environment.
5. Know the alcohol and other drug scene on campus and talk to students about it.
6. Avoid tales of drinking exploits from your own college years.
7. Encourage your student to volunteer in community work.
8. Make it clear - underage alcohol consumption, alcohol-impaired driving, and other drug use are against the law.*

*Excerpted from an article that appeared in The College Parent Advisor, published by College Parents of America, by William DeJond and Linds Devine - appeared in Prevention Network, Prevention News, February, 2012.