TRITON WELL A family guide to discussing alcohol and other drugs
Dear Triton Families, We are looking forward to welcoming each new Triton to UC San Diego. As parents, we understand that this a time of transition for your family. be assured that UC San Diego offers a caring and welcoming community dedicated to helping your students become their best selves. As a Triton Family, you have an opportunity to continue to play a pivotal role in helping your student practice self-care and achieve their goals while at college. Alcohol and other drug use can have a significant negative impact on a college student's life, and on the campus community. However, research has shown that parents can play an important role in influencing their student's behavior. As we strive to provide an environment conducive to learning and personal growth, we urge you to use this guide as a resource. It includes information and recommendations for initiating conversations with your student about alcohol and other drugs. You will also learn abou the extensive measures the University is taking to educate each student, so that we can hep prevent illegal and high risk alcohol and drug use. Your support is essential. Together, we can work to nurture the health and well-being or your student.
Lisa Joyner Director Health Promotion Services
Making Healthy Choices As students leave high school and enter college at UC San Diego, 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 it's contents drinking with the intent of getting drunk mixing alcohol with medications, energy drinks or other illegal drugs
How can parents encourage lowrisk behaviors and healthy choices Remind your student: numerous consequences, both academic and legal, can result from choosing to drink alcohol or use other drugs serious harm to self and others can results from excessive drinking
797 students completed the National College Health Assessment in Spring 2019 While drinking during the past year: 25.9% of students said they did something they later regretted 22.8% forgot where they were or what they did 18.2% reported driving after consuming alcohol
Prescription Drug Misuse MORE AND MORE STUDENTS ARE ENTERING COLLEGE FAMILIAR WITH, AND USING, PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. IT IS IMPORTANT TO MONITOR THE NUMBER OF PRESCRIPTIONS YOUR STUDENT HAS FILLED AND TALK TO THEM ABOUT. DANGERS OF TAKING OR SHARING MEDICATIONS WITHOUT PROPER DOCTOR CONSENT AND MONITORING.
What are some commonly misused prescription drugs? Opioids (OxyContin, Vicodin) Depressants (Valium, Xanax) Stimulants (Ritalin, Adderall)
Many people who misuse drugs are not taking these into consideration and, as a result, can experience severe symptoms and put themselves at greater risk for becoming addicted to a medication.
While students may claim that the use of "study drugs," such as Adderall, help them perform better, What are the dangers of in reality they perform worse. mixing prescription drugs Students who use alcohol and other with alcohol? What is prescription drug drugs typically spend less time When mixing alcohol with misuse studying, skip class more often, and prescription drugs, the Prescription drug misuse is taking a earn lower grades. outcomes can be medication that was prescribed for What could happen as a result of unpredictable, dangerous, you or another person in a manner misusing prescription drugs? and even fatal. Each person's or amount other than what was Before doctors prescribe body reacts differently to the prescribed. Students who misuse medications they take into combination of alcohol and prescription drugs usually get them consideration the specific reasons other drugs and the from someone they know- family for the medication, the appropriate reactions can vary. members, friends or acquaintances. dosage, and the possible side effects.
Collegiate Recovery Program We know that a college campus can often be a The mission of the Collegiate Recovery Community challenging place for a student in recovery from (CRP) offers a positive affirming environment where substance use disorder. Students in recovery are recovering students can thrive by: committed to their sobriety, but they me be living or Removing any barriers to successful academic interacting with peers who are focused on partying. progression To better serve our students in recovery, Student Fostering peer support and accountability Health and Well-Being has a collegiate recovery Normalizing the recovery identity on campus program called Tritons in Recovery and also offers Providing sober social activities on and off Substance Free and Recovery Housing: The Nest for campus undergraduate and graduate and professional students.
a safe recovery space Tritons in Recovery provides the physical space for a safe, recovery-positive enviornment where students can get support from other students who have been through what they've been through. Resources include: Weekly recovery support group meetings Social events and activities Professional development opportunities Mentorship Referrals
Well-Being & Healthy Relationships stress, depression & anxiety More than 74% of students at UCSD report that their health is good, very good or excellent. Even in good health, we know that some stress is a normal part of the college experience. It comes with being on your own for likely the first time, diligent effort toward academics, and managing multiple commitments. It is when students are stressed all the time, experiencing constant anxiety, or feeling like their overall moods and functioning have completely changed that is worrisome. We recommend talking with your student about these concerns. Remind them that they are not the only student who is struggling or consider sharing a time that you experienced stress or failed at something and how you worked to overcome that. Keep in mind that anxiety and depression can have genetic components, so if anyone in your family has experienced either, this is a good time to talk about it with your student as well. It’s important to talk about how alcohol or drug use may influence and even exacerbate the symptoms they are experiencing.
healthy relationships Students will engage in many types of relationships during their time at UCSD—friendships, dating, intimate, and/or professional. Regardless of the type, students are encouraged to engage in healthy relationships that foster a mature commitment to the dignity of both persons and are founded upon mutual respect, which aligns with the UCSD Mission Statement. Healthy interpersonal relationships, especially intimate ones, are emotionally supportive relationships that align with individual values, promote identity development, refine and enhance interpersonal skills, and honor the setting of personal boundaries. We encourage you to talk with your student about how their relationships are healthy, honoring of others, and founded on respect. It’s never too late to talk with your students about what they want from friendships, romantic relationships and other relationships. You can learn more at: studentwellbeing.ucsd.edu
Preparing for a Conversation before you begin Assess and review your own feelings about alcohol and other drug use. Avoid contradictions between your words and actions. Give yourself permission to disapprove of drinking and drug use. Dismiss any fear that your disapproval is naïve. Recognize the power of your influence. Be prepared to establish an ongoing conversation, rather than giving a onetime speech. starting the conversation Create a time and space for face-to-face discussion. Find “teachable moments” from television, books or newspapers that deal with substance use in college. Make sure your student is sober. If not, find another time to talk.
when you talk Focus on one message throughout the conversation. Avoid turning your attention to other to-do items. Speak calmly and openly. You do not need to exaggerate, the facts will speak for themselves. Listen actively and try to understand your student’s point of view. Ask openended questions that prompt your student to give more information, rather than a simple “yes” or “no”. Allow your student to express their fears or concerns without interrupting or lecturing. Use anecdotes or brainstorm situations that your student might encounter. Discuss ways they could handle these, focusing on what would work best and why.
Talking Points... Be clear that you expect your student to avoid drinking and drug use during college. Refer to the campus policies against underage drinking and other drug use. Encourage your student to get involved on campus. Plenty of opportunities exist for socializing without using substances. Remind your student to take charge of their well-being. This means prioritizing things like sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. We find that students who have good self-care practices do better overall. Continue to talk with your student about this topic after they arrive on campus. The first six weeks are a critical period for first-year students, and we encourage you to stay connected during this time. Use different communication methods (phone calls, emails, texts, FaceTime) and share information so your student still feels connected to your family. Thoughtfully, explore how your student is doing. Rather than making assumptions about their behaviors, ask about the things they’re seeing and how they are handling situations.
Resources Counseling and Psychological Services (858) 534-3755 // caps.ucsd.edu Health Promotion Services (858) 3534-2419 // healthpromotionucsd.edu Student Health Services (858) 534-3300 // studenthealthucsd.edu Websites: www.studentwellbeing.ucsd.edu collegeparentsmatter.org collegedrinkingprevention.gov rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov hecaod.osu.edu learnaboutmarijuanawa.org