Parents, you're not done yet. Have you talked to your son about drinking?

The misuse of alcohol by undergraduate students remains a problem for some in spite of laws, campus policies and college programs. When talking to your son about his choices with regard to alcohol, you may want to discuss the difference between low-risk and high-risk drinking and abstaining.

According to a recent College Alcohol survey (Anderson and Gadaleto), college and university administration estimate alcohol is involved with:

29% of dropouts
38% of academic failures
64% of violent behaviors
66% of unsafe sexual practices
75% of acquaintance rapes

As a matter of policy, Beta Theta Pi acknowledges the legal use of alcohol within General Fraternity risk management guidelines and regulations established by host institutions. Reckless disregard of these guidelines and regulations is not only socially irresponsible: it goes to the heart of our obligation to one another as friends and Brothers.

Don't Forget These Important Topics Family beliefs and values regarding alcohol How to get help on campus How to refuse a drink during any event

Betas Talking Prevention is one strategy adopted by the Beta Theta Pi Board of Trustees as part of the Men of Principle initiative. Its goal is the education of our members, collegiamns and alumni in a non judgmental environment using factual, researched-based information.

Supplemented by a video, Get Real: Thinking About Drinking, Beta's program encourages dialog and discussion about alcohol within the context of today's college scene. This video is shown at your son's chapter as a part of the General Fraternity's risk management plan.

What You Can Do As Parents

As the first six weeks of college are very high-risk time for first-year students, you may want to call, write or email frequently and be supportive.

Ask some questions such as:

How are you doing?
Do you like your classes?
What is the party scene like?
What kind of activities are available?
Are you enjoying dorm life or living in the Fraternity house? Why?
Do you see others making friends or just drinking buddies?
How are you getting along with your roommate?
Are you feeling overwhelmed?
What can we do to help you?

Share realistically your own experiences with drinking, both positive and negative. Be clear in what you expect from your son about such things as:

Attending class
Drinking and driving
Financial responsibility
Choices regarding drinking
Study time vs. social time
Staying in touch with family

Availability of alcohol
Absence of parents
Desire to fit in

Low-risk drinking is:		High-risk drinking is:
Thinking beforehand about whether you will drink or what you will drink at a party Being 21 or older Eating a meal before drinking Abstaining as the safest choice Drinking no more than one drink per hour: maximum four drinks Always knowing what you are drinking Alternating alcohol-free drinks throughout the evening Knowing how you will get home safely before you go out		Not being of legal age Chugging, drinking games, shots, funnels Drinking to get drunk Driving after drinking or riding with someone under the influence Drinking too much or too fast on an empty stomach Going to parties where people drink too much Not knowing what is in your glass or leaving it unattended Mixing alcohol with any medications or illegal drugs