Comments on Overcoming Life's Obstacles: Teens Open Up to Peer about Drinking

I completely agree with this article and think tha...

2008-09-30T03:06:00.000+13:00

I completely agree with this article and think that it is very important for parents to become involved with their kids at an early stage on alcohol related issues. I wanted to recommend this site DrinkIQ because it can be a difficult task and parents often don’t know how to approach this situation. DrinkIQ is a site created by Diageo, the world’s leading liquor company, and is the only go-to site in the alcohol industry and is really a great central source because it sources from everywhere and covers the whole spectrum of alcohol topics. From its responsibility channel section with expert advice, to the basic facts it provides about different types of drinks and how they affected your body, it really covers everything. And it has lots of recommendations for parents as to how they can most effectively begin a conversation with their child about alcohol drinking. Here is the link for the parent resources center http://www.drinkiq.com/en-US/Pages/parents-resources.aspx, I highly recommend you check it out!

G Girl:You've just illustrated some of the most im...

2008-01-02T05:56:00.000+13:00

G Girl:

You've just illustrated some of the most important aspects of underage drinking - denial, rationalization and minimizing. Unfortunately, your family and friends' reactions are fairly commonplace.

As to the "be glad they did it at home" comment - knowingly OR unknowingly serving alcohol to minors in your home is illegal and parents can be cited.

I left a job as a substance abuse counselor in a school due to the attitudes you encountered. What you need is support, not criticism. But believe it or not, there are other partents who feel the way you do. You might try to seek them out in your community, talk to a counselor at a local alcohol/drug rehab center and/or attend some Al-anon meetings. Any of these options should provide you with some direction.

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience. You may have helped to open other parents' eyes to this widespread problem.

Take care,
Nancy

A few days ago, I found my two sons (16 and 19) wi...

2008-01-01T15:03:00.000+13:00

A few days ago, I found my two sons (16 and 19) with a 30 pack of Bud, drinking with several others some I knew, and some I didn't, in my own house. (Detached garage, and they started after I fell asleep) I sleep heavy and had no reason to stay up and check on them because my younger son has never done anything to cause me not to trust him. The older one has been drinking and smoking pot for several years, but he does not live with me and was only visiting. He has respected my rules in the past.

I was SHOCKED at the comments from friends and family: "It's no big deal, all kids do it" "Be glad they did it at home"

My sister in law even told one of them "Getting drunk in someone elses house is fine, but in your own backyard is a no no".

How the heck can a parent have expectations for their kids to obey their rules, (AND THE LAW) with this kind of support? (Or lack of!)

I didn't experiment with alcohol until I moved out on my own - I would NEVER have disappointed my parents like that. But apparently it is the norm. What's the point of having a law restricting the age if it's assumed that it will be broken by the majority??? And it's "no big deal"?

I am at a complete loss.

Hi Ellis:We don't normally approve comments that a...

2007-12-04T09:34:00.000+13:00

Hi Ellis:

We don't normally approve comments that are for the sole purpose of promoting a specific event, show, article or product. But the TV show you mention looks like it might have real informative value.

As an addiction specialist, I also feel it's very important to raise awareness any way I can.

I will check out your show and possible post about it at a later date.

Thanks,
Nancy

Many parents choose not to believe the truth about...

2007-12-04T09:02:00.000+13:00

Many parents choose not to believe the truth about their children if it is not on a positive note. It is common for teenagers to experiment with drugs and alcohol, yet the extent to which they use these substances are not healthy. Drug and alcohol addictions can't be pin pointed by age, meaning people of all ages can become addicted. Therefore, if your child or someone you know shows signs of addiction to drugs, alcohol or both, they should not be ignored. I work for A&E and we provide help for all types of addictions through a television program entitled A&E Intervention. With the collaboration of loved ones and highly qualified specialists, individuals have the opportunity to overcome his or her addiction or bad habbit. The person goes on the show assuming they are being filmed for a documentary about his or her experiences with the bad habbit, yet they are unaware that they are receiving help with their problem. The premier of the show airs tonight(December 3rd), so be sure to tune in. If you are unable to watch tonights episode clips can be seen on http://www.aetv.com/intervention.