The Illinois Higher Education Center has put together an excellent pamphlet for parents of newer college students. It discusses the stages both paents and students may experience. A great deal of information about the possible pitfals of college and how to avoid those...including questions that parents should continue to ask even after their children move to campus is included. Alcohol and other drug risk information is also a part of this resource.
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America offers a Web site, "A Parent's Guide to the Teen Brain," designed to help parents and other caregivers understand brain maturation during adolescence. The interactive site presents current research findings on the relationship between brain development and teenagers' normal attitudes, behaviors, and personality.
According to research summarized in a College Task Force report to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the consequences of excessive drinking by college students are more significant, more destructive, and more costly than many parents realize. And these consequences affect students whether or not they drink. View full article to learn more.
If you are concerned that your son or daughter may be using drugs or alcoho,l it is better to find out the truth now than wait until the problem is out of control. For tips on starting a conversation with your teen, suggestions for things to tell your son or daughter, and a chance to hear what other parents are saying, check out the Action Guide for Parents
For more information on this topic, download the brochure, "Suspect You Teen is Using Drugs or Drinking? -- A Brief Guide to Action for Parents" (PDF).
People Prevent Suicide has great resources for parents.