AHS Views

So many college kids are drinking and using drugs that parents have to be careful when they send their kids off to any institute of higher learning. Highedcenter.org published a list of questions parents should ask school officials about their drug and alcohol policies.  Parents who want their kids to get the most out of their education and avoid having to look for addiction help for them later would be wise to ask these questions and check out the school thoroughly.

Most kids will have a preference for a certain college and they may resist going to a different one. But if they’re really educated on the dangers of drugs and alcohol - including just being around others who drink or take drugs, even if your kid doesn’t do it themselves, which could lead to the need for addiction help - you may get more cooperation.

For example: Over 60% of kids who are around other kids who drink or take drugs have had their sleep or study interrupred; nearly 54% have had to take care of a drunken student; nearly 14% suffer damage to their property; and one in ten have been pushed, hit or assaulted.

The statistics on that site state that 1.3% will be raped, but other sources say the incidence of rape is much higher: According to abacus.bates.edu, for example, one out of four women will be sexually assaulted on a college campus, and one in 8 will be raped. Most of the rapes involve drugs or alcohol.

Extensive drug and alcohol abuse that requires addiction help services is common in college, but that’s not the only consequence. Perhaps if your kids understand this, they, too, will choose a different school.