Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention

A.S.A.P. Parent Resources

Parents and Family Members: did you know that you have a greater influence on your college student’s behaviors than you might think? Research shows that by having honest, face-to-face conversations with your student, you can have a positive effect on their attitude towards alcohol. This may hold true for other issues, as well. Please see below for some helpful resources about how to talk with your students about these tough topics, as well as information about specific Mines resources that you may want to pass on to your students.

[Turrisi, R., & Ray, A. E. (2010). Sustained parenting and college drinking in first-year students. Developmental psychobiology52(3), 286–294. doi:10.1002/dev.20434]

Talk About Drinking and Alcohol Use

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has published some helpful information for parents of college students about alcohol use. The consequences of binge drinking and underage alcohol abuse can be severe, but as they say: 

“An often-overlooked protective factor involves the continuing influence of parents. Research shows that students who abstain from drinking often do so because their parents discussed alcohol use and its adverse consequences with them.”

Check out the information on their website or download a .pdf

Speak Now Colorado

Speak Now Colorado acknowledges that: “There is no perfect way to talk with your children about alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, and other drugs. But being honest and involved has a big influence on your children, even if it seems like they’re not listening…. Talk with your children early and often about alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, and other drugs. The information here will spark ideas for the best times and places to talk. It will also help you choose language your children will understand, based on their age.” 

Speak Now Colorado has specific tips for talking with young adults ages 18-20.

Assessments and Screenings

Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if your student should connect with a health or mental health professional. Mines has partnered with MindWise Innovations to provide short screenings in areas such as alcohol and substance use, anxiety, depression, and more. These tools are completely anonymous and confidential. Immediately following each brief questionnaire, students will see their results, recommendations, and key resources. Screenings are educational, not diagnostic.

Medications and Alcohol

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can affect the way that alcohol impacts the body. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has a helpful pamphlet that lists many medications that can cause harm when taken with alcohol and describes the effects that can result.

Student Outreach & Support

Mines Student Outreach and Support (SOS) helps students navigate personal and academic challenges they may face while at Mines through case management and resource connection. If you are worried about a friend, you may make a referral to SOS. The SOS case managers have a significant amount of resources available to help students to be successful. All referrals are treated with the highest possible level of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion. It is important that you provide as much information as possible in SOS referrals, although it is possible to make a report anonymously.

Mines Amnesty Policy

All students should know that their health, safety, and general welfare are of the utmost concern to the faculty, staff, students, and administration. Mines has established an Amnesty Policy to reduce barriers related to seeking help during medical emergencies due to fear of potential policy violations. View the full policy in Mines’ Student Code of Conduct, Section 6, B.

2023-2024 Amnesty Policy Flow Chart

Additional Resources for Students

During the Coronavirus Pandemic, there was quite a bit of understandable concern expressed by those in recovery about the impact of quarantines, stay-at-home orders, and general isolation on their recovery journeys. This was discussed on a recent Death, Sex & Money episode. We want all Mines students to be healthy, happy, and successful members of our community. Fortunately, hundreds of Alcoholic Anonymous meetings are taking place online (http://aa-intergroup.org/) and via phone (http://aaphonemeetings.org/). Additionally, live Narcotics Anonymous chat meetings are listed here.

Mines for Recovery compiled a list of recovery support groups and treatment centers in the local Mines area. Please contact these groups directly to find out if they are currently meeting virtually. Download the Mines Drug and Alcohol Abuse Resource Guide.

Colorado Crisis Services is a wealth of information in the state of Colorado. Contact them with more immediate questions about current in-person treatment options.

MINES for RECOVERY and AWARENESS

We recognize the unique journeys individuals take in exploring their relationship with alcohol and drugs. Mines for Recovery and Awareness seeks to provide an inclusive and compassionate space for all students, whether you’re sober-curious, sober by choice, in recovery, or simply seeking to better understand and support those around you. 

Find more information about MFRA on our Recovery Resources page.

In addition, please find support in the local community.

The Sound of Your Voice is a short animated video that encourages parents to talk with college-bound students about alcohol use. View the video to learn why this conversation is critical to a safe and successful college experience.

Need tips on how to start the conversation and what to say? Download Talking With Your College-Bound Young Adult About Alcohol 

We partner with the Vector Solutions Campus Prevention Network to provide AlcoholEdu trainings for Mines students in order to honor our commitment to safety, well-being, and inclusion.