College Drinking and Drugs !!

By Nikhil Mishra

Once a year a new group of young adults join the ranks of the free, breaking out of their parent's nests to explore the world on their own and join group of other young people on college campus.This is a time for learning new things and meeting new friends. Unfortunately, for many college students, this is also a time for experimentation with alcohol and drugs, an ever-increasing problem on college campuses nationwide.

Below are some datas which shows the future of college education :-

Every year approximately...

(1). 1,400 college students are killed due to alcohol-related injuries

(2). 70,000 college students are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.

(3). 100,000 college students report being too intoxicated to remember if

they consented to sexual intercourse.

(4). 2.1 million college students report driving while intoxicated.

(5). 110,000 college students are involved with law enforcement because

of intoxication (either public intoxication or drunk driving).

(6). 25 percent of college students suffer academic consequences because

of alcohol-related problems.

(7). 31 percent of college students meet criteria for substance abuse and

6 percent for alcohol dependence.

But is there really anything a parent can do when their son or daughter is so far away from home? Absolutely! It can all be summarized with this: Talk to your kids about making responsible decisions. The influence that a serious discussion about alcohol and its consequences or a phone call once a day to see how things are can make a difference for many young adults. At first they may blow you off and insist that you're bugging them but if you are persistent they may refer to your advice one day when they have a choice to make: responsible or irresponsible.

few things for parents to keep in mind

1. Let your son or daughter know that you're available if they need help,

even if it is just to talk.

2. Talk about the facts of alcohol and effects of drinking as well as reasons

not to drink.

3. Tell them how to find help on campus for themselves or a friend.

4. Make sure they know the penalties for underage or excessive drinking.

5. Stay in contact once college starts. Ask how they're feeling, ask about

their experiences, roommates and friends and if they're enjoying

activities and classes.

This is a wonderful time for college sudents and they should be able to enjoy it. They will enjoy it more and get along better in the world after college if they learn and choose to be responsible now and know that their parents are always there for them.

Author is second year student of B.A ( mass communication) at Doon (PG) college of agriculture science & tech, Selakui, Dehradun.