Sending the kids away to college can be both exciting and disconcerting. You want the best for them, but you may be worried about their safety in an environment where drugs and alcohol can seem to run rampant. While college may not live up to your worst fears, it can’t be denied that drugs and alcohol will be making their way around campus. Talking to your kids about this reality, and how to handle it responsibly, is essential for preparing them to make responsible decisions. Remember these guidelines for talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol before they leave for college.

Speak frankly.

The worst thing you can do is dance around the issue without addressing your concerns directly. You should conduct this conversation in a way that is both honest and realistic. Talk to your kids about what they can expect to encounter on campus, as well as what you expect from them. Understand that some kids will be more attracted to drugs and alcohol than others, but also that these things represent a risk for everyone. Irresponsible decisions can lead to serious consequences, and your children need to hear about this directly from you.

If your teen does end up in some alcohol-related trouble, such as a DUI, hire the services of an experienced attorney immediately. A good attorney can help your child through the legal process and focus on getting your child’s license restored, so that the child is not left without a license for an extended period. While you should make sure that your child does experience some consequences if he or she drove under the influence, a DUI attorney has the ability to limit the damage that this charge will do to your child’s job prospects after graduation, while having his or her license reinstated as quickly as possible.

Try to relate to your children.

Generational gaps can be difficult to bridge, but remember that you were once the same age as your kids, and you went through similar life changes. Talk about your own experiences from youth, and relate the consequences that you faced. Tell them about the things you saw and experienced during your youth. You need to make your children aware that you understand what they’re going through. Remind them that you’re not out of touch, and that you speak from real life experience.

Some kids are hesitant to talk to their parents about drugs and alcohol because they fear being punished, so be sure to let your kids know that they can talk to you about these things. They need to know that you’re around to help them through this period of change; this is a time that can be very difficult for kids, after all. Keep the lines of communication open. Try to teach your kids to make responsible decisions, but remind them that they can talk to you about anything.

Stress the college policies on drugs and alcohol.

Remember that schools have their own policies on drugs and alcohol, and bring this up with your children. Look over school policies on alcohol use and abuse, as well as the consequence that may face students who break the rules. When an infraction could result in academic probation, revocation of scholarships or other consequences, the reality of this situation may become clearer. Remind your kids that there is always plenty of good clean fun to be had in college, and they don’t need to break college rules to have a good time.

Drugs and alcohol are everywhere today. Centers for rehab in Los Angeles and cities all over the country are constantly in the news, and college substance abuse problems are more prevalent than ever. No college campus is exempt from the risk of drugs and alcohol, and parents need to communicate about this issue with their children in order to ensure a bright future for them.