Expert Advises Parents How To Talk With Their Children About Alcohol Abuse
Facing such an enormous epidemic of teen alcohol abuse may seem overwhelming to many parents. Dr. Demp suggests parents need to make a point to communicate with their children and educate them about the dangers of drug and alcohol usage. “On one level, the child may appear annoyed that the parents are in their business, but on a deeper level, they appreciate the fact that the parent actually cares. Also, if the parent is not showing interest that also registers with the child”.
(PRWEB) March 3, 2002
(Fort Washington, PA) – Parents across America have recently experienced a rude awakening to the breadth of the challenge that they face in raising their children. Alarming statistics, recently released by Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, warn that teenagers consume 25% of the nations alcohol.
Neal Demp, M. D., child psychiatrist and Director of the Child and Adolescent Units at Northwestern Institute explains, “Many kids don’t view alcohol as a drug. They may still see something like heroin as a concern, but their concern regarding alcohol use is minimized. They may rationalize that because all their friends do it, that its not a big deal. Society has become desensitized to alcohol abuse”.
Facing such an enormous epidemic of teen alcohol abuse may seem overwhelming to many parents. Dr. Demp suggests parents need to make a point to communicate with their children and educate them about the dangers of drug and alcohol usage. “On one level, the child may appear annoyed that the parents are in their business, but on a deeper level, they appreciate the fact that the parent actually cares. Also, if the parent is not showing interest that also registers with the child”.
Its not just a matter of asking your child “are you drinking or doing drugs”, rather, its just showing a general interest and concern for your child and being aware of what they are doing. You need to form a trusting relationship with your children, so that whatever subject is raised that the child feels they can discuss these things openly with their parent.
If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing a problem with alcohol, Dr. Demp advises parents to watch for anything that is a change out of the ordinary pattern. Some red flags are:
-Changes in mood (e. g., increased irritability or elevated mood)
-Decrease in usual activities (e. g., interests, habits, sports)
-Change in schedule
-Change in performance (e. g., drop in grades at school, late for or absent from work)
-Change in openness (e. g., secretive behavior)
Dr. Demp has observed that the alcohol abuse trend is affecting children of an increasingly younger age. He adds that the problem affects families of all socio-economic backgrounds.
Dr. Demp explains, children that have a problem with alcohol abuse may also have an underlying psychiatric disorder contributing to the abuse.
Northwestern Institute of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, provides inpatient psychiatric services, including dual diagnosis for people of all ages.
Northwestern Institute offers a toll-free 24 Hour HOTLINE to help those in mental health crisis. Call 800-256-5300.
