While less than half (42.7 percent) of UNM undergraduates reportedly engage in “binge” drinking, those who do will incur substantially more problems than peers who abstain from alcohol or drink moderately.

At UNM, one of four students report academic problems associated with drinking – missing class, falling behind and doing poorly on an exam or paper. Alcohol is a contributing factor in the majority of sexually transmitted infections and sexual assault cases. Traffic fatalities – the leading cause of death for this age group – frequently involve alcohol.

Just as youth may think they’re immune to negative consequences, parents may believe their students will make wise choices and avoid negative consequences related to alcohol/other drug abuse. Given the potential harm even one occasion of binge drinking poses, it is valuable for every parent to understand the risks and to have a conversation with their student.

Clearly communicate your expectations, make safety the “bottom line,” and encourage using the following protective measures:

• Never drink & drive. Use a sober, designated driver or alternative transportation
• Use the buddy system: friends stay together and look out for one another
• Avoid drinking games and guzzling
• Maintain a blood alcohol concentration below .08% (Calculate Your BAC at unm.edu/~cosap)

For more information, contact the UNM Campus Office of Substance Abuse Prevention at 277‑2795 or cosap@​unm.​edu.

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