Making Healthy Choices As students leave high school and enter college at Gonzaga University, they are most likely excited about this important time in their lives (and may also have some feelings of uncertainty about what lies ahead). Students face some challenges and transitions that are often associated with the first year of college. One of the challenges that all students will encounter, at some point during their time in college, is the decision to participate in or associate with high-risk behaviors. We know that, since their brains are still developing and primed for taking risks, this can be tricky.
What are high-risk behaviors?
Examples of high-risk behaviors are: → drinking alcohol or using marijuana under the age of 21 → chugging alcohol, taking shots, or participating in drinking games → drinking something without knowing its’ contents → drinking with the intent of getting drunk → driving after drinking or riding in a vehicle with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs → mixing alcohol with medications, energy drinks or other illegal drugs → misusing prescription drugs
It is important to talk with your student about making healthy choices and set clear expectations about avoiding high-risk behaviors.
How can parents encourage low-risk behaviors and healthy choices?
Remind your student: → it is illegal to consume alcohol or use marijuana if they are under 21 → numerous consequences, both academic and legal, can result from choosing to drink alcohol or use other drugs → serious harm to self and others can result from excessive drinking Encourage your student to: → choose fun, alternative activities that do not involve alcohol → make realistic and safe plans whenever they leave campus → identify ways to cope with inevitable stressors → share their goals and expectations for their college experience → check in about how their living situation is working for them
622 students completed the National College Health Assessment in Spring 2016 While drinking during the past year: → 46% of students said they did something they later regretted → 42% blacked out (forgot where or what they did) → 19% physically injured themselves → 16% reported driving after consuming alcohol The Center for Cura Personalis offers individual sessions for students experiencing these kinds of negative consequences. → 60% reported likelihood to change their drinking after attending a brief intervention Source: Gonzaga University Center for Cura Personalis (National College Health Assessment data Spring 2016)