How to Help/Referrals

Parent Handbook for Talking to College Students About Alcohol

This handbook is sponsored by Student Wellness Services. It is supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. There are a variety of strategies you can adapt to fit your own personal style and relationship with your student. We encourage you to talk with your student and lower their risk.

‌Parent Handbook

Additional Resources:

How to Help Students with Substance Use Problems

Recognizing the Signs of Problem Alcohol or Other Drug Use

It can be difficult to know when to intervene when you're worried about a student's alcohol or drug use. Alcohol and drugs affect people differently. Some individuals become more mellow and quiet, while others become more talkative and loud. In addition, some people experience acute personality changes after consuming a small quantity of drugs or alcohol, while others may not have any noticeable changes after consuming large quantities. What is important to observe is the effect the substance(s) have on a person's life. If you notice a student experiencing problems in their life (i.e. academically, socially, emotionally) associated with their alcohol or other drug use, they need help.

Someone doesn't need to use drugs or alcohol on a daily basis or need to show all symptoms to have a problem. If you notice a student is showing some signs or symptoms of an alcohol or other drug problem, but it doesn't appear that they use or drink very often, they may be secretly using or drinking. They also could be addicted to both alcohol and illegal prescription drugs. You may only notice their drinking and not see their drug use.

The warning signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use are provided below to assist you in recognizing a student that may have a substance use problem.

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, just one or two could be a red flag. The more symptoms, the more likely the student is in need of help. When in doubt, trust your instincts and follow this guide to assist you in getting a student the help and support they need. A caring conversation can help the student to get connected to a helpful resource.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Problem Alcohol Use:

If a student shows any of the following warning signs, they may have developed a problem with the use of alcohol:

Blackouts or memory loss
Smell of alcohol on the breath
Slurred speech, lack of coordination, nausea or vomiting
Hangovers
Injuries while drinking
Drinking even though there are physical conditions that can be worsened by drinking
Their use of alcohol interferes with school, work or other activities
Alcohol use even though they would be driving or doing something else that would be risky if impaired

Problems with alcohol use can progress into addiction; the warning signs of an addiction are below:

A person cannot control how much they drink
A person needs more alcohol to create a "buzz"
A person may feel sick, shaky, or restless when alcohol use is ceased, indicating withdrawal
Even though there is harm to family, friends, education or career, the person still drinks
A person gives up other activities they enjoy so they can drink
A person tries to conceal their drinking and makes excuses
A person would like to quit drinking, but despite repeated attempts, still drinks
Alcohol becomes a focal point in their life

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Problem Drug Use:

If a student shows any of the following warning signs, they may have developed a problem with using drugs:

Injuries while driving under the influence of drugs
Using drugs even though there are physical conditions that can be worsened by drug use
Use of drugs is interfering with school, work or other activities
Drug use despite knowing they will be driving or doing something else that would be risky while impaired
Changes in financial situation
Memory loss or blackouts
Physical symptoms of slurred speech, tremors or shakiness

Problems with drugs use can progress into addiction. Below are some common warning signs of an addiction:

A person cannot control how much they use
A person needs more of a drug to create a "high"
A person may feel sick, shaky, or restless when drug use is ceased, indicating withdrawal
Even though there is harm to family, friends, education or career, the person still uses
A person gives up other activities they enjoy so they can use
A person tries to conceal their use and makes excuses
A person would like to quit but despite repeated attempts, still uses drug(s)
Drug use becomes a focal point in their life

Questions to Consider if You Think a Student May Have an Alcohol or Other Drug Problem

Does this person end up drinking more or longer than intended?
Has this person wanted to cut down or stop drinking or using drugs, or tried to, but couldn't?
Does this person continue to drink even though it was making them feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem?
Has this person had to drink much more or use more drugs than they once did to get the effect they want?
Has this person gotten into situations while or after drinking alcohol and/or using drugs that increased their chances of getting hurt (such as driving, walking in a dangerous area, or having unsafe sex)?
Has this person experienced withdrawal symptoms (i.e. shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating) when the effects of alcohol or drugs were wearing off?
Has this person continued to drink after having had a memory blackout?
Does this person spend a lot of time drinking or using drugs? Or being sick or getting over other after effects?
Has this person continued to drink or use drugs even though it was causing trouble with family or friends?
Has drinking or using drugs interfered with this person's ability to take care of their living environment?
Has drinking or using drugs caused problems at this person's job or academic performance?
Has this person given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to them in order to drink or use drugs?
Has this person experienced legal problems due to drinking or using drugs?

Depending on the symptoms and their severity, just one or two can be a red flag. The more symptoms, the more likely this student is in need of help.

What to Do for a Student About Whom You Are Concerned

Ask, Listen, and Support

If you are concerned about a student's alcohol or other drug use, plan for a time to have an honest and open conversation with this student.
Before speaking with the student, reflect on their situation and have a plan of what you would like to say.
Arrange for a time to speak to the student in a private and quiet environment where there will not be any interruptions.
Talk to the person when you know they are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and make sure you are both in a calm frame of mind.
Instead of making assumptions about the student's use, ask them about their own perception of their drinking or drug use (i.e. "Do you believe your use is a problem?").
Listen non-judgmentally and do not accuse the person of being an addict or alcoholic. When the student finishes talking, repeat back what you heard them say.
Express your concerns while utilizing a non-confrontational, non-judgmental, and supportive tone. Focus on the person's behavior, not their character. Use "I" statements (i.e. "I am concerned about how much you have been drinking lately." or "Your drinking seems to be interfering with your academics.").
When talking to the student about their alcohol or drug use, keep in mind that they may not be aware or may deny that they have a problem. Do not force them to admit that they have a problem. There are many reasons why someone may use alcohol or other drugs, and the person may not understand why they use.
Tell the student what you are able to do to help. This could be being a good listener, helping them find professional help, and informing them of other supports (24-hour support services, self-help resources, and support groups).

‌Refer

Encourage help-seeking as a sign of strength. Recommend the student speak with a person on campus who is trained to help. Remember to inform the student of 24-hour support services, self-help resources, and support groups as well.
Involve the student in making the referral. Offer to make the call together to the resource.
When assisting a student in receiving help, keep in mind that the student may be surprised when help is first suggested; it maybe difficult for the student to acknowledge that they need help.
Should the student be reluctant to accept the referral, you may consider saying, "I respect your decision. I hope you will keep this option in mind."

If the student is not willing to connect with a resource and you are still concerned, consider taking one of the following steps: Dean of Students Office - call (319)273-2332 or complete Seeking Student Assistance form online at deanofstudents.uni.edu. Dean of Students staff will reach out to provide support to the student and will follow up with you.

Where to Make a Referral

Service Name	Description of Service	How to Access
Dean of Students	First point of contact to share your concerns about the student except in case of an emergency situation. If you are unsure of what resource to whom to refer, the Dean of Students staff will ensure the student is referred to the needed resource(s) e.g. one or more of the services listed below.	Call (319) 273-2332 or complete online form " Seeking Student Assistance" at deanofstudents.uni.edu
Student Wellness Services - Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention and Education Services	Student Wellness Services provides preventative and confidential supportive services for students as it relates to alcohol and other drugs. BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students) was designed specifically to help college students make safer and healthier decisions regarding alcohol. BASICS uses a harm reduction approach. Students complete a confidential alcohol/drug questionnaire and a personalized feedback profile is generated for the student. Then a Student Wellness Services staff member reviews the feedback profile with the student during a scheduled, one-on-one appointment.	To schedule an individual BASICS appointment contact Kaili Benham, Health & Well-being Coordinator for Student Wellness Services at kaili.benham@uni.edu or call (319) 273-5441
Student Health Center	Student Health Center provides screening and information to students, including alcohol and drug use consultation and referrals.	wellbeing.uni.edu/student-health (319) 273-2009
Counseling Center	Counseling Center provides screening and information to students, including alcohol and drug use consultation and referrals.	wellbeing.uni.edu/counseling-center (319) 273-2676
Pathways Behavioral Services	Substance abuse evaluations, individual and group counseling, residential treatment, and prevention services.	pathwaysb.org (319) 235-6571
Access Evaluation & Education	Education and Substance use evaluations for all ages, for any reason including court and school related matters. UNI LOCATION (for UNI students only) in the Student Health Center - 2nd Floor, on Wednesdays. See website for more information.	To schedule an appointment: call 319-252-4631 or https://www.accesswellnessrecovery.com/
Al-Anon and Alateen	Provides information and support for the family members and friends of individuals with alcohol problems.	National: al-anon.org Local: Iowa-al-anon.org
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)	AA is an international fellowship of people who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, and apolitical. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.	National: www.aa.org Local: aa-waterloo.org Hotline: (319) 291-3627 Volunteers can provide emotional support and/or meeting accompaniment.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)	NA is a nonprofit fellowship of people for whom drugs had become a major problem. This is a program of complete abstinences from all drugs and the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using. Anyone may join and there are no fees for meeting attendance.	National: www.na.org Local: www.iowa-na.org Hotline: (319) 291-8803 The Hotline provides information regarding local meeting times and places.
Your Life Iowa Helpline	If you are struggling with the use of drugs and/or alcohol, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, contact Your Life Iowa. Your Life Iowa is available to help you confidently self-assess your situation, get reliable information, find resources and treatment options, and chat live with trained professionals. Help is available 24/7 and call/text/chat is confidential and free.	Call, text, or chat live online: Call: (855) 581-8111 Text: (855) 895-8398 yourlifeiowa.org
SAMSHA	The SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information services (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.	1 (800) 662-HELP (4357)

Off-Campus Resources/After-Hours Help