Please excuse the cross posting......
One in four college students grew up with a parent who used alcohol or
other drugs. Today is the beginning of National Children of Alcoholics
Week. Attached is the fourth installment of several facts sheets that
Facts on Tap has developed to help professionals working with this
special population on campus - Protective Factors. Coming tomorrow -
Resiliency.
These facts sheets can also be found on our web site at
www.factsontap.org. As always, we are here to support your efforts on
campus. We'd love to hear feedback on this initiative. Let us know if
you find these helpful!
Protective Factors
A college student's resiliency is supported by protective factors,
buffers that help young people avoid risks such as binge drinking and
other substance abuse. Protective factors on campus also contribute to
a college student's inherent resiliency.
Colleges and Protective Factors
College is a fertile ground for encouraging resiliency. Students spend
most of their time in class and with their peers, and come into contact
with adults who can play an important role in fostering resilience.
* Professors and are in the unique position of being able to
encourage learning, praise students for their accomplishments, and model
good communication.
* For some COAs, college is their first and only place of escape
from their substance abusing parent. Making campus a safe and
supportive place can help a student gain confidence and feel encouraged
for the first time.
* Colleges offer students many opportunities for developing
resiliency through sports, clubs and other co-curricular activities.
* Having an adult role model who inspires hope and focuses on
students' strengths can also be invaluable to COAs.
* Positive peer interaction is an important and influential
protective factor. Program enough activities that provide a secure and
constructive forum so all students can benefit from each other's
company.
* Give students a voice. Allowing students decision-making and
leadership opportunities to develop ideas. Even if the ideas fail,
students earn the experience of following something through from
inception to conclusion.
* Provide an ACOA support group on campus that meets at the same
time every week. Advertise creatively and thoroughly. You WILL attract
participants who want to connect with others who have similar
experiences and a unique understanding.
2003
Children of Alcoholics Foundation
An affiliate of the Phoenix House Foundation
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