Navigating the Transition: A Guide to Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Recovery for New College Students and Their Families

by Sydney Cheifetz
Assistant Director of SAFE Campuses, Student Development Programs

SAFE Campuses partners with colleges and universities to transform campus cultures and fill gaps in services. Our team works to address substance use disorder and promote recovery in all its forms. Learn more about SAFE Campuses.

As summer winds down and the preparation for back to campus intensifies, SAFE Project is excited to provide resources and awareness for first-year students and their families as they make the transition to university life! For many students, one area of focus is navigating the alcohol and drug landscape on campus. The shift from high school to college often brings new freedoms and pressures, making it essential for students to understand strategies for prevention, harm reduction, and recovery. We hope this guide offers students and their families pathways to increased well-being and informed decisions about substance use.

Campus Resources: Tools for learning, discerning, and getting support

One of the best ways for students to prepare for college is to be aware of the risks associated with alcohol and other drugs, the tools and strategies they can use to reduce their risk of harm, and identify and set limits of what they would like their relationship with substances to look like during their collegiate career and beyond.

The use of alcohol and drugs can impact the health, academic performance, and personal relationships of students, but it doesn’t have to! Before arriving on campus, we encourage students to set personal boundaries regarding alcohol and drug use. Considering their values, goals, and potential consequences of using various substances, students are empowered to create a plan for how they’ll handle situations where substance use is present, including strategies for saying no, using mindfully, or seeking help if needed.

Alcohol and Drug Education Programs

Many colleges include alcohol and drug education in their orientation programs. Take full advantage of these sessions to learn about campus policies, resources, and support systems. Additionally, most universities offer free workshops focusing on substance use prevention and harm reduction. Some common risk reduction techniques include knowing your limits, staying hydrated while consuming alcohol, never drinking on an empty stomach, staying with a trusted group of friends while drinking or using drugs, testing drugs for the presence of fentanyl, carrying naloxone, and having a plan for what to do in the case of an emergency. Additionally, many schools offer safe rides and transport, in which students can get a ride from a university staff member to prevent drunk driving or walking home alone.

Counseling and Psychological Services

Most universities have a university counseling office and an office of health promotion. Counseling centers provide low cost or free confidential counseling for students struggling with substance use or experiencing a mental health condition. These centers often offer individual and group counseling, educational programs, and resources for those seeking help. Additionally, the office of health and counseling or health promotion likely offers substance use assessment meetings that can help students understand their habits and make positive changes.

Recovery Communities

Over 200 colleges and universities in the country are home to a collegiate recovery community! These are dedicated groups and spaces for students interested in reducing their use of substances and/or exploring recovery. These inclusive environments offer support, recovery meetings, fun sober activities, education, and community. Even if a student doesn’t need recovery support at this time, it is important for them to know where the collegiate recovery community is on campus so they can be an effective ally for friends and peers who may benefit from such a resource.

Supporting Your Student: What Families Can Do

Parents and families can play a role in their students’ relationship with substances. It is therefore essential that parents create avenues for healthy and open communication. This includes discussing expectations and having open dialogue with their students regarding alcohol and drug use, values, and what their child will do to reduce their risk of harm if they choose to use substances. Additionally, creating open lines of communication between students and their caregivers early encourages students to talk to their support systems in times of stress and need.

We know that having vulnerable conversations about alcohol and other drugs doesn’t always come naturally, here are a few idea on how to get started:

1. Listen and Support: Be prepared to listen without judgment! Encourage your students to share their experiences and challenges, be prepared to share what you have learned, but be sure to keep judgment at the door, and give your student the autonomy to make their own decisions.
2. Provide Resources: Provide your student with information about campus resources and encourage them to seek help if they need it. Additionally, encourage participation in campus programs focused on alcohol and drug prevention and harm reduction. Lastly, encourage your students to read and understand the university’s alcohol and other drug policy so they can be aware of university rules and guidelines to make informed decisions.
3. Check-in Regularly: Make it a point to ask your student about their well-being and experiences on campus. Are they adjusting well? Are they finding community? How are they coping with the natural stressors of a big life change? Be knowledgeable about and offer support, guidance, and resources.
4. Be Prepared for Challenges: Understand that your student may face challenges related to substance use. Be ready to provide support and help them navigate issues that arise with a foundation of trust, nonjudgment, and learning. How we talk about substance use and recovery matters. Instill in your student that asking for help, and seeking recovery support if they need it is a sign of strength and maturity that should be celebrated.
5. Model Healthy Choices: Research shows that when parents and caregivers have a responsible relationship with substances, their student is more likely to as well. Be the change you want to see and model a healthy relationship with substances to your students.
6. Promote Balance: Encourage your student to engage in activities and build a lifestyle they enjoy. Support their involvement in clubs, sports, and other campus activities. Having a community of support is crucial for students as they navigate their collegiate experience.

The transition to college is an exciting but challenging time, and navigating the realities of alcohol and drug use is an important part of the journey. By preparing ahead of time, utilizing campus resources, and maintaining open communication, students and their families can work together to uplift well-being, emphasizing prevention, harm reduction, and recovery.