With school beginning there are many things for students to watch out for and there are some additional dangers lurking for those going to college. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers some advice to parents on talking with your college-bound young adult about alcohol and avoiding underage drinking. Research suggests that teens who talked with their parents about alcohol avoidance strategies before they began their first year of college were more likely to avoid alcohol and limit its use. The negative consequences of alcohol use are in four different areas; academic, health, safety, and legal. Academically, classes are missed, students fall behind, and lower grades are a result. In terms of health, over 1500 students die from alcohol-related injuries. 19 percent of college students meet the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence. In the area of safety, almost 700,000 students are assaulted by another who has been drinking. Legally, some 110,000 students are arrested for an alcohol related violation.
