Taking Care of Ourselves & Each Other

Health & Well-Being Resources

Stanford
Vaden Health Services
Orange trees produce fruit in front of the John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn building, home of SIEPR, the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research. Hoover Tower can be seen in the background. Credit: Linda A. Cicero / Stanford News Service

A Letter to Parents/Guardians Regarding Alcohol and Drugs

 

August 2024

Dear Stanford Family,

Today, we write to share Stanford’s efforts to educate our students about alcohol and drug issues, and we look forward to building a partnership that ensures the health and safety of your student. We strongly encourage you to talk early and often about alcohol and drug use with your student during their time here at Stanford and review our online resources for parents, guardians and families.

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Access to Alcohol and Drugs

Although the legal drinking age in California is 21, access to alcohol can be a reality of life at Stanford, just as it is at colleges and universities nationwide. The good news is that surveys show many Stanford students drink moderately to not at all. Nevertheless, every year many students are involved in serious high-risk drinking incidents – that sometimes require medical attention. 

Drug use among students is rare, but the consequences can be devastating.  Stanford actively educates students on the dangers of illicit drug use, and we have designated educational interventions for cannabis and fentanyl-laced drugs.  Also, Counseling and Psychological Services has alcohol and drug counselors to better serve the community and provide support for students grappling with these issues or looking to sustain their sobriety.

Research shows that by having a frank, face-to-face conversation, you can have a positive impact on your student’s approach to alcohol and drugs. To this point, we have created a Guide for Families with information, tips, conversation starters, and resources to help you get the most out of those conversations.

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Eight Things

Here are eight things we want you to know about Stanford’s programs, education and policies:

  1. Students are expected to abide by university policies and California laws and the Stanford Student Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy.
  2. First-year students are required to take online alcohol and drug education courses that stress individual and collective responsibility.
  3. Stanford offers substance-free events and activities on weekend nights, across campus and neighborhoods, so that no student feels isolated by a decision to abstain from drinking alcohol.
  4.  Substance-free housing is offered for upper-class students and students who want support for addiction recovery can join the Stanford collegiate recovery community, Cardinal Recovery.
  5. 24/7 urgent support is available in the residence halls from student residential leaders (RLs) as well as professional residence directors, alcohol and drug educators and academic directors. Vaden Health Center offers professional counseling, medical services and wellness services.
  6. Marijuana (cannabis in all forms) is prohibited on the Stanford campus, regardless of a California state law that legalized recreational use and possession for people 21 years of age and older a few years ago. Since Stanford receives federal funding, the university must abide by federal law that still defines cannabis as a controlled substance.
  7. The dangers of fentanyl are real and we are being proactive in providing education, harm reduction tools and resources.  Stanford also provides free naloxone (an opioid overdose rescue medication) across campus in residences. 
  8. Stanford has a multitude of educational prevention programs, services and resources for students regarding alcohol and other drugs.
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Negative Impacts of Binge Drinking

We encourage you to discuss the potential negative impacts of binge drinking, in particular. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers information and advice.

Here are four specific points to emphasize:

  • The earlier people start drinking alcohol, the more likely they are to experience a measurable impact on cognitive functions, memory, and school performance over time.
  • Drinking hard liquor in the form of shots is dangerous and can lead to alcohol poisoning and death.
  • Excessive drinking can result in legal citations. Stanford students are not immune from prosecution and are commonly cited for a) being a minor (under 21) in possession of alcohol; b) being intoxicated in a public space, which could involve being arrested and taken to jail or a sobering station; and c) possession of false identification.
  • Violations of campus community standards, such as sexual assault and misconduct, often involve excessive alcohol use. While alcohol does not cause or excuse acts of sexual violence, it can be used to facilitate assaultive behavior. We encourage everyone to be educated on our policies and procedures and to utilize campus resources to help prevent and address these issues. More information on sexual assault support and resources is available.

We believe firmly that by openly and frankly talking about substance use and expectations, you can help us create a protective campus culture of personal responsibility and good decision-making.

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Keep Talking

But don’t stop there. At regular times during the year, continue the conversation. Ask, questions like:

  • “What did you do last night?”
  • "What fun things are you finding to do?”
  • “Tell me about your friends.”
  • “Are you feeling connected to others?”

The answers to these questions can reveal many things such as feeling isolated and, thus, vulnerable. In our experience, loved ones and families are best able to detect if something is amiss.

Thank you for your partnership in this effort. Curbing irresponsible use of alcohol and drugs is a high priority for Stanford. Please contact the Office of Substance Use Programs Education & Resources at 650.725.5947 for more information, questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Ralph J. Castro
Associate Dean of Students
Director, Office of Substance Use Programs, Education & Resources

Mona Hicks, Ed.D.
Senior Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Dean of Students

James R. Jacobs, MD, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Executive Director, Vaden Health Services