News headlines have been flooded in recent years with tales of wild college parties, underage drinking and alcohol poisoning resulting in death. As a high school guidance counselor, how do you successfully prepare students for college by helping them make responsible choices about alcohol and drugs?

It’s a question that parents often ask themselves. Christine Noble, a mother of two Colorado high school students struggles trying to find a balance. “I consider myself moderate,” she said. “But, what’s okay to get your kids prepared for the experiences they are going to have in college?”

There is no easy answer to that question. An article in the Coloradoan Online offers a few suggestions. They are as simple as “having parents involved in their children’s social lives, schools involved in educating students about the impact alcohol can have on their health and overall quality of life, community members setting positive role examples and the youths getting involved in positive activities.”

However you choose to address the problem, the key is to start educating kids about alcohol while they are young. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 50 percent of adolescents have had at least one drink, and more than 20 percent admitted having been “drunk” by the time they reach eighth grade. Most students don’t start drinking once they enroll in college. It’s usually a behavior they bring from home.

“When parents teach kids about rules and boundaries in general, they shouldn’t just address the alcohol issue,” said Kurtis Royer, mental-health specialist with Connections, a partnership between the Health District of Northern Larimer County and Larimer Center for Mental Health. “Teaching children about responsibilities and setting examples for making healthy decisions and living a healthy lifestyle are the best lessons.”

Before high school guidance counselors try to address the problems of underage drinking at college, they should have a grasp of the problem within the halls of their high schools. Some high school students attend parties hosted by college-age students, friends whose parents allow them to drink with supervision or they drive around until they find a party to attend.

Michelle, an 18 year-old student at Fort Collins High School in Fort Collins, Co., admits to seeking out parties. “A lot of weekends, we drive around trying to find something to do. I’ve been to places where I have not had any idea who is throwing the party.”

It is that kind of risky behavior that can lead to dangerous situations. Often times, teens will meet up at a party with a bunch of friends and drink until they are drunk or pass out. No one is fit to drive but arrangements have not been made before hand to make sure everyone gets home safely.

Michelle tries not to drink and drive, but confesses that she has before. “I’ve never been so drunk that I couldn’t drive,” she said. “You take it into consideration if you have to drive home, and stop drinking at a certain time.” Other teens make finding a designated driver a part of their party plans.

Scott Crandall, executive director of TEAM Fort Collins, a nonprofit organization that educates college students on abuse and illegal use of alcohol and other drugs, believes the logic of students like Michelle is part of the problem.

“We have to stress that?a designated driver doesn’t mean the person who’s had the fewest drinks,” he said.

Though not rocket science, it appears that high school guidance counselors presenting the facts about alcohol ends up being the best way to prepare students for a college environment that is all too alcohol-friendly.

Be upfront with students about the dangers of underage drinking. In 2003 alone, more thank 1,400 college-age students died from alcohol related causes according to the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

High school guidance counselors can also actively engage parents and community leaders in dialogue and programs that talk about alcohol responsibility. Organizations like SADD have programs in place that can be implemented at your school. Be creative in your approach for reaching your students, but know that the truth goes a long way.