Students with Drinking Problems

last updated: March 31, 1995

Responding to Students with Alcohol Problems

Ignoring self defeating behavior is not helpful to the person for whom you are concerned.
Helpful intervention is a process, not an event.
When people are confronted about behavior which is part of their lifestyle, they generally become defensive and angry.
The more you learn about alcohol and its effects the more helpful you can be to those who are having problems with it.

Let the person know you care about him/her (use "I" statements, I am worried about you).
Try to remain calm.
Stick to observable facts (confrontation is like holding a mirror up to a person).
Remain non-judgemental. Emphasize the contrast between the person's sober behavior, which you like, and the drinking behavior that concerns you.
Use gentle persistence.
Anticipate their possible responses (minimize, change topics, make excuses, promise behavior change, challenge their use).
Accept their anger, learn to side step it.
Be ready to provide some education (printed materials etc.).
Utilize your own support system.
Involve others who are also concerned about the person.

Arguing with the person.
Getting angry and losing control.
Letting him/her change the topic.
Getting hooked by their defensiveness (don't feel guilty and don't take it personally).
Delaying the confrontation, should be as soon as possible after the event and after the person is sober.
Diagnosing (ie. "you're an alcoholic").
Sparing the person the consequences of his/her drinking.