Resources for Parents and Young Adults

Group of mixed age family members sitting at a table outdoors with food and drinks and smiles on their faces.
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PARENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS LEADING BY EXAMPLE ON RESPONSIBLE ALCOHOL USE

One positive role model can make the difference. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver or a young adult, you can have a positive impact on those around you when it comes to enjoying alcohol responsibly.

Here are tips and resources for parents, caregivers, educators, and college students from Responsibility.org that can sustain the conversation about responsibility and promote responsible alcohol consumption.

A group of several beer glasses clinking together in a cheers.
TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS ON HOW TO ADDRESS TEENAGE DRINKING

There’s no personality stereotype for harmful drinking

When it comes to binge drinking or any overconsumption, all young adults, regardless of their personalities and backgrounds, are equally vulnerable.

View from behind the shelf of a young man grabbing a can of beer from a store shelf.
TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS ON HOW TO ADDRESS TEENAGE DRINKING

College age isn’t always the legal purchase age

Remember that not everybody on campus is of legal purchase age. The IDs may say they are of legal age, but young people need responsible guidance, advice, and support.

Mother and daughter on a couch having a healthy and important conversation.
TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS ON HOW TO ADDRESS TEENAGE DRINKING

Schedule regular chats

Regular contact is more than just a debrief. Use the time to watch for changes in demeanor, mental health, and lifestyle that could show struggles with school, relationships, or stress.

Group of friends sitting together outside with a variety of drinks in hand, smiling together.
TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS ON HOW TO ADDRESS TEENAGE DRINKING

Have emergency contacts

Share your contact information with your student’s roommates, friends, their peers’ parents, and residence assistants.

One young woman extending her hand to help another young woman up a rocky cliff.
TIPS FOR YOUNG ADULTS ON RESPONSIBLE ALCOHOL USE

Be a buddy. 

Have a buddy.

As it does at the pool or on Halloween, the buddy system applies on campus, too. Be there to help everyone consume responsibly and get home safely. Plus, the more buddies you have, the better.

Two young men sitting outside the door of a party.
TIPS FOR YOUNG ADULTS ON RESPONSIBLE ALCOHOL USE

Secret or exclusive parties are a red flag

Most times, the parties are secret because of underage drinking. Consider secrecy a warning sign to be extra vigilant as other activities may be involved.

A young man and woman clink their alcoholic beverages together at a party and show signs of alcohol consumption.
TIPS FOR YOUNG ADULTS ON RESPONSIBLE ALCOHOL USE

Overconsumption can lead to bad decisions

Texting after overconsumption is one thing, but harmful consumption can have other dire consequences, such as driving while intoxicated, physical injury, and other forms of harm.

Closeup of a hand dropping an unknown substance into an alcoholic drink at a bar.
TIPS FOR YOUNG ADULTS ON RESPONSIBLE ALCOHOL USE

Watch your glass and never accept drinks from strangers

It’s easy to get carried away and misplace a glass during a party. If you’re uncertain, discard your drink. If you didn’t order it or make it (punch bowl), you may be overconsuming alcohol.

FIND MORE ADVICE FOR PARENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS ON HOW TO ADDRESS TEENAGE DRINKING AT RESPONSIBILITY.ORG