Alcohol and Other Drugs

Parents and caregivers have a great chance to prevent harmful alcohol and other drug use if they have open, honest conversations about substances before college. Together, parents and NC State staff can work together to create more meaningful and effective conversations about substances that promote safer habits. NC State’s Prevention Services team supports messages regarding substance use that are accurate, nonjudgmental, and that center on harm reduction. About 74% of NC State undergraduates drink in a low-risk way or don’t drink at all; our goal is to support non-drinking behaviors, educate students choosing to drink about risk reduction strategies, and support students who would like to create healthier habits.

• Use these talking points and questions to start the conversation! You may also wish to read the article “What Parents Need to Know About College Binge Drinking.”
• Beyond Orientation: a parent and family guide for substance use support for college-aged children
• Incoming students under 21, including transfer students, are required to complete Alcohol-Wise.
• AOD Screeners: Brief anonymous surveys designed to assist in understanding substance use.

Learn more about Alcohol and Other Drugs >>

Additional AOD tips for parents: 

• Normalize substance-free behaviors and activities at home 
• Provide alcohol alternatives at holidays and events (water, juice, hot tea) 
• Promote and normalize low-risk behavior (students’ behaviors are less risky when they believe others are using substances in low-risk ways!)    
• Encourage help-seeking, like talking to a professional or asking for support from family and friends  
• Listen and express empathy

CARES

The program works closely with campus resources to provide early intervention for students who may be struggling personally or whose behavior has led others to be concerned for their well-being.  Case managers meet with students, provide access to resources and follow up with them while monitoring their progress.

Make a Referral

Students, faculty, parents and others are strongly encouraged to report behaviors that they feel are concerning or worrisome (no matter how small or insignificant they may seem).

Click here to access the concerning Behavioral Referral Form.

For frequently asked questions and more, visit NC State Cares online.

Collegiate Recovery Community

The Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) is a staff-supported community of students who identify as in recovery from substances or other unhelpful behaviors. The CRC seeks to connect students who identify as in recovery, foster their collegiate success, and provide the opportunity for students to have an alternative college experience. Students can check out the CRC if they are sober-curious! The CRC promotes all pathways to recovery and is designed to enhance students’ recovery capital! Learn more >>

Suicide Prevention

Suicide prevention efforts at NC State work to minimize identified risk factors and increase protective factors related to suicidality. This includes increasing social connectivity on campus by raising awareness of campus resources and through large-scale outreach efforts. In addition, we work to increase broad ownership across campus for suicide prevention by educating students, faculty, and staff regarding how to recognize when a person is exhibiting signs of suicidal ideation or intent and how to intervene successfully. We also work to decrease stigma around suicide and mental health help-seeking behavior through increasing awareness of the commonality of painful experiences, empowering Mental Health Ambassadors, and creating videos related to personal student stories. Watch the Emmy Award-winning video #StoptheStigma here.

How parents can help.

The transition to college is challenging not only for students but also for parents and family members who care about their well-being. Many college students struggle with mental health symptoms or even thoughts of suicide. Parents should take any statements related to suicide seriously and learn these warning signs.

Below are tips for broaching the topic of mental health with your student:

• Don’t be afraid to initiate a direct conversation.
• Listen to the student calmly and nonjudgmentally.
• If possible, speak with the student regularly.
• Express your love, support, and openness.
• Don’t be afraid to ask the student directly if they are considering ending their life.
• Become familiar with campus resources to suggest these options.
• If you notice the student seems resistant to talk with you, consider suggesting other individuals and resources (resident advisor/director, counselor, support groups, etc.).
• Find out when to complete a CARES report.
• Encourage the student to get involved in groups on campus that might increase social connection.
• Thank the student for opening up to you and expressing, “I’m always here for you.”

To speak with a crisis counselor, call 919.515.2423 or the National Suicide Hotline at 1.800.273.8255. In the case of an emergency, please call campus police at 919.515.3000 or 911. There is always hope.

For more information and resources about suicide prevention at NC State, click here.