Supporting your student: Talking about drugs and alcohol and other drugs
College can bring new experiences, including exposure to alcohol and other drugs. Whether or not your student chooses to use substances, ongoing conversations can help them make informed decisions, stay safer and feel supported.
Your role and influence matter
Before starting a conversation, take a moment to reflect on your own experiences with substances—past and present. Being honest with yourself can help you approach your student with empathy and clarity.
Even as your student becomes more independent, your voice and values still matter. Open, ongoing conversations can help reduce stigma, making it easier for students to talk honestly about their experiences and challenges. When students feel they won’t be judged or get in trouble, they’re more likely to seek support and resources if they need them.
A helpful way to frame the conversation is the continuum of substance use, which recognizes that people may move between stages over time—from not using, to experimenting, to regular or higher-risk use, to recovery. This framework can also support self-reflection, since everyone falls somewhere on the continuum and may have different relationships with different substances. It avoids “all or nothing” thinking and can make it easier to have open, honest discussions.
Continuum of Substance Abuse
Where do you fall on the continuum?
Substance-free
- Don't use
- Have never used or rarely used in the past
Experimental
- Unsure of how substance(s) will effect you
- Lack of experience using substance(s)
Regular use:
- Currently use substance(s) and will use again
- Understand how substance(s) will effect you from personal experience
High-risk use:
- Have unwanted experiences related to substance use
Living in recovery:
- Changed use to practice moderation, harm-reduction and/or sobriety
Start early and keep the conversation going
This isn’t a one-time talk. Check in regularly and stay curious about your student’s experiences, relationships and activities. Their choices and environments can change over time, and your continued involvement can be a protective factor.
If you share your own experiences, aim to be honest without normalizing or glamorizing risky behavior. Reinforce that your support and care are constant, regardless of their choices.
Create space for open, judgment-free dialogue
Approach conversations with patience and curiosity. Your student may feel unsure or hesitant to share.
- Listen to understand, not to respond
- Ask open-ended questions and avoid assumptions
- Affirm your student’s strengths and values
- Share your expectations clearly, without shame or blame
This approach can help build trust and make future conversations easier.
Help your student understand today’s substance landscape
Students often feel pressure to drink or use substances based on what they think others are doing. In reality, many students choose not to use.
Talking about these perceptions can help your student make decisions based on their own values and not based on expectations of others.
Substances today can also be different from what you may remember:
Higher overdose risk: Many drugs, including counterfeit pills that are made to look like pills you would get at a pharmacy, may be contaminated with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. This has significantly increased the risk of overdose, even for people who do not think they are using opioids.
Stronger cannabis products: Many cannabis products are more potent, which can increase the chance of unwanted effects:
- Memory or concentration problems
- Worsening anxiety, depression or psychosis
- Feeling tired due to lower‑quality sleep
- Academic, work or relationship impacts
- Legal consequences
- Loss of control or risky behavior
- Cannabis addiction
- “Greening out” (nausea, vomiting, zoning out)
- Increased suicidality
- Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome - a condition causing severe, recurrent vomiting and abdominal pain for those using cannabis often
Staying informed can help you have more relevant, realistic conversations. Learn more information about alcohol and other drugs.
Talk about choices and safety
If your student chooses to drink or use substances, you can help them think ahead and reduce risk. Encourage them to:
- Make a plan (what, how much, where and with whom)
- Pace and space use
- Eat beforehand and drink water
- Stay with trusted friends
- Avoid mixing substances
- Plan a sober ride
- Stick to a plan and make sure everyone gets home safe
You might ask: “What experience are you wanting from alcohol or drugs? What do you want to avoid?”
Know policies, laws and campus support
Understanding policies, laws and available resources can help you guide your student and support them if needed. С Boulder also offers support for students through Health Promotion, Counseling & Psychiatric Services, the Collegiate Recovery Community and Student Outreach, Advocacy & Support.
- Legal age requirements: Alcohol, cannabis and nicotine use are illegal for those under 21, including medical cannabis.
- Cannabis on campus: All cannabis use is prohibited on campus, including medical cannabis, because the university follows federal law.
- Amnesty Policy and : Students can call for help in an emergency without facing university or legal consequences
- Smoke- and tobacco-free campus: This includes vaping products and marijuana
Prepare your student to respond in an emergency
Encourage your student to act quickly if they see signs of an overdose, such as unconsciousness, slow or no breathing or vomiting while passed out.
They should:
- Call 911 immediately
- Administer naloxone, in case the person consumed opioids either knowingly or unknowingly
- Put the person in the
- Never leave them alone
Remind them that calling for help can save a life, and protections exist to support those who do.
You don’t have to have all the answers. Showing care, staying engaged and keeping the conversation open can make a meaningful difference in your student’s college experience.
If you’re seeking support for your student, we can help you find the best resources for your specific situation. Contact Health Promotion at health.promotion@colorado.edu.