Creating healthier habits with students through conversation

Happy fall! I can’t believe we are already halfway through the semester. From my office, I can see the greenery around the Drillfield beginning to shift to bright orange and maroon hues. Even mother nature knows that it’s great to be a Hokie! It’s that time of the year in Blacksburg where the jacket you wear in the morning ends up in your backpack by midday as the sun warms up campus.

As the air turns cooler and we approach mid-semester, I see students filling the library and halls studying in preparation for exams, writing papers, and working on group projects. Our students work hard, and we encourage Hokies to take regular breaks, remember to hydrate and eat, and get adequate sleep. We also encourage students to make friends and celebrate a job well done.

Whether your student celebrates through gameday tailgates, Virginia Tech’s homecoming celebration, Halloween parties, or by taking a well-deserved rest, I want to share some reminders regarding safety surrounding alcohol and substance use.

Conversations with Students

Whether your student is of legal drinking age or chooses to abstain, in this season, they may find themselves in settings where they will be challenged to make healthy choices about alcohol use. I wanted to give you some evidence-based tactics to help you have successful conversations with your student. Even when you’re not with them on campus, your connection with them and your guidance are important.

Our program leaders in Hokie Wellness have shared these tips with me on how to initiate conversations about these topics:

• Ask open-ended questions, such as, “How do you choose to celebrate accomplishments or at events?”
• Provide an open, judgement-free space where students can share questions or concerns.
• While it is important to understand the consequences that can result from excessive drinking or substance use, focus on your student’s long-term academic goals.
• Your student may find themselves in a group setting where they experience external pressure to participate. Walk through potential situations together and explore how to navigate them.
• Consider questions prior to initiating a conversation, so that you can explore scenarios and decision-making together.

The following guidebooks share additional information with families about approaching these conversations.

• This concise family guidebook covers some essential concepts to encourage open and supportive communication. It’s never too late to have these conversations with your student and equip them with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
• College Parents Matter provides additional conversational guides for families, statistics, and dives into a range of topics.

Educating ourselves and our students on substances increases awareness and encourages healthier choices.

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is broadly recognized as a range of interventions to reduce the negative effects of behaviors. Our Hokie Wellness leaders pointed to these signs that alcohol, cannabis, or other substances may be having a negative impact:

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts
• Lack of motivation
• Spending time getting, using, or recovering from alcohol or another substance

Hokie Wellness offers consultations for students wishing to address their alcohol or cannabis use and how it may impact their life.

Resources

Our campus hosts a wide range of resources for students, as well as training and workshops.

• Hokie Wellness provides one-on-one consultations as well as Narcan training to students, faculty, and staff.
• The Recovery Community at Virginia Tech works to ensure that students do not have to choose between recovery and their education.
• If your student lives on campus, encourage them to reach out to their Residential Well-Being student leaders or coordinators. They will be able to provide additional support, education, and link students directly to resources.
• Cook Counseling Center provides individual and group therapy services for students. Students can also download the TimelyCare app for virtual health and well-being.
• Hokies Don’t Haze trainings and workshops for student organizations and clubs highlight harm reduction.

As we continue through the academic year, let’s hold space for challenging conversations. While our students study and work hard, it’s important to also appropriately celebrate the wins – acing that midterm exam, a sports club win, or presenting on a difficult topic to classmates.

We acknowledge that during certain periods, our students may be faced with making decisions around alcohol or other substances. Together, we can empower ourselves and our students with the knowledge to make healthier choices!