What is pre-gaming?

Pre-gaming means drinking alcohol before going to a party, event, or social gathering.

It can happen:

• at home
• in a dorm or apartment
• at a friend’s house
• even in a car before going out

You might also hear it called:

• “pregame”
• “pre-partying”
• “pre-drinks”
• “getting ready”

Why do teens and college students pre-game?

There are a few common reasons:

• To feel more relaxed or less shy at a social event
• To fit in with friends
• To save money (drinks can cost more at bars or events)
• Because alcohol may be easier to access beforehand
• To feel a stronger “buzz” before arriving

For college students, pre-gaming is often part of the social routine, especially before:

• parties
• sporting events
• nights out

Why is pre-gaming risky?

Pre-gaming can be more dangerous than it sounds—for both teens and young adults.

1. Drinking happens quickly

Pre-gaming usually happens in a short amount of time. This can lead to drinking too much, too fast.

2. Drinking often continues later

After pre-gaming, many teens and college students keep drinking at the next location.

This makes it easy to lose track of how much alcohol they’ve had.

3. Higher risk of serious harm

Pre-gaming is linked to:

• Blackouts
• Alcohol poisoning
• Risky or unsafe decisions
• Injuries

4. Less supervision (especially in college)

For teens, pre-gaming may happen before leaving the house.

For college students, it often happens without any adult supervision, which increases risk.

Signs your child may be pre-gaming

For teens, you might notice:

• Leaving the house already acting different (loud, unsteady, overly silly)
• Smell of alcohol before they go out
• Rushing to meet friends
• Vague plans

For college students or young adults:

• Talking about “pregaming” as part of going out
• Drinking before most social events
• Posting or sharing content that shows drinking before going out
• Frequent nights that start with drinking

How to talk about pre-gaming

Even with college students, your voice still matters.

Keep it short, calm, and respectful.

Start with curiosity

• “I’ve heard a lot about pre-gaming. Is that common with your friends?”
• “What do people usually do before going out?”

Share your concern

For teens:

• “I’m concerned about your safety when alcohol is involved.”
• “I care about you, and I don’t want you in situations where people are drinking.”
• “Our expectation is that you don’t drink.”

For college students:

• “I know you’re making your own choices, but I care about your safety.”
• “I’ve heard pre-gaming can get out of hand quickly—that worries me.”
• “I’m not here to lecture you—I just want you to stay safe.”
• “Can we talk about how you handle situations where people are drinking a lot?”
• “What’s your plan for getting home safely?”

Ask them to think ahead

• “What would you do if things start getting out of control?”
• “How would you get home safely?”

Be clear about expectations (age matters)

For teens:

• “Our expectation is that you don’t drink.”

For college students:

• “I know you’re making your own choices, but I care about your safety.”
• “Please avoid situations where people are drinking heavily.”

What parents can do

For teens:

✔ Check in before they go out
✔ Ask about plans and supervision
✔ Set clear expectations

For college students:

✔ Keep communication open (text or quick check-ins)
✔ Talk about safety, not just rules
✔ Encourage planning ahead (rides, staying with friends)

A quick reminder

Whether your child is a teen or in college:

• Pre-gaming increases risk
• Drinking happens fast and often continues
• Conversations still matter—even if your child is older

If you’re concerned about your loved one’s substance use or just want some more advice on how to talk to them, you can reach out to our helpline for support. Our trained, compassionate professionals are here to help. You are not alone.