Dr. Henry Paul, MD

Psychiatrist, Author and Educator

SERVING MINORS IN YOUR HOME COULD COST YOU EVERYTHING!

July 30th, 2015

2733165_sUnderage drinking is a problem in this country and adults make it worse when they sell to minors or allow underage drinking at their home. Most states have enacted some social host law. These laws hold party hosts liable for any alcohol-related injuries that occur as a result of providing alcohol to minors. It includes injuries to the minor, as well as to any other persons who are injured or killed as a result of the minor being supplied alcohol. So why do we still see stories like the one this week on ABC News, Couple on Trial for Allegedly Allowing Underage Drinking Before Teenager Killed in Crash? Why do parents risk it all and allow their underage children and their friends to drink at their home?

We live in a child-centered society and pushy aggressive children easily intimidate parents. The parents get worried and feel out of control and develop the illusion that if the kids are doing something at home then all is well. What is missing is that there is no appropriate role modeling or education. And, quite frankly, parents who allow underage drinking are breaking the law and setting up dangerous intoxication situations.

Whether they believe-it-or-not, parents are role, models. Many don’t think their kids are watching, but they are. Parents do have a lot more influence with their children than they think. Don’t be fooled by your kids appearing not to listen to you. They’re listening and they’re watching. And when it comes to preventing substance abuse what you say is important. Statistics continues to show that parents are still the most influential factor in protecting their teenagers from risky behavior. Parents should talk to their children about alcohol use, and they should realize that it is never too early to start. For more information or help finding a group in your community email me at drpaul@henrypaulmd.com

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

TEEN PREGNANCY – WHAT THE STATISTICS ARE SAYING

July 28th, 2015

“Last year the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its recommendations, suggesting IUDs and implants should be the “first line” of contraceptives in preventing teen pregnancy.”  CBS News, July 7, 2015

30600834_sJuly has offered up some good news on teens and sex. Just last week a new study said that fewer teens are having sex compared to previous generations. It also stated that because of the accessibility of birth control the number of teen pregnancies is dropping. That’s good news! Today I came across this report at CBS News “How Colorado lowered teen pregnancy rate by 40%”. This reinforced what the study said about the accessibility to contraceptives lowering the number of teen pregnancies.

According to the CBS News story, “From 2009 to 2015, the Colorado Family Planning Initiative provided women around the state with intrauterine devices (IUDs) or implants, types of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) at little or no cost. During that period, teen births dropped 40 percent and abortions fell 35 percent, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.”

What I find interesting in both this news story and the study is that the numbers seem to support the theory that better access to contraceptives is making a difference.

Parents should encourage their teenagers to participate in the many pregnancy-prevention programs for adolescents that have popped up around the country. These include contraception availability, sex education, promotion of sexual abstinence, and helping children stay involved in after-school programs, school, and jobs.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) funds Teen Pregnancy Prevention programs as part of the President’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative (TPPI). The CDC is partnering with the federal Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) to reduce teenage pregnancy and address disparities in teen pregnancy and birth rates. The OASH Office of Adolescent (OAH) is funding medically accurate and age-appropriate evidence-based or innovative programs models to reduce teen pregnancy. The Communitywide Initiatives (CWI) are aimed at targeting communities with the highest rate of teen pregnancy and births. There is a focus on reaching the Latino and African-America communities.

The CDC website lists the following Program Goals:

  1. Reduce the rates of pregnancies and births to youth in the target areas.
  2. Increase youth access to evidence-based and evidence-informed programs to prevent teen pregnancy.
  3. Increase linkages between teen pregnancy prevention programs and community-based clinical services.
  4. Educate stakeholders about relevant evidence-based and evidence-informed strategies to reduce teen pregnancy and data on needs and resources in target communities.

Here is a link to a list of some of the CDC groups around the country and a link to some of the evidenced-based program models. For more information or help finding a group in your community email me at drpaul@henrypaulmd.com.

FEWER TEENS ARE HAVING SEX – WHAT DOES THAT REALLY MEAN?

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

FEWER TEENS ARE HAVING SEX – WHAT DOES THAT REALLY MEAN?

July 27th, 2015

A new study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last week that fewer American teens were having sex than teens a generation ago. The report is based on interviews between 2011 and 2013 with about 2,000 teens ages 15 to 19.

Sex and teens are a very charged topic. Although it is well-known that even young children have many sexual feelings and impulses, the physical changes that come with puberty bring sex center stage. According to this report, the proportion of teens who said they’d had sex has decreased. The numbers have steadily fallen between the 1980’s and 2000s. Certainly, the risks that come with unprotected sex are much better understood by today’s teens. Having said that parents still need to be vigilant in talking with their teens about sex. With so much sex in the media and social media teens, today are inundated with provocative sexual messages.

I found it also interesting that the report showed a rise in the use of the morning-after-pill with little change in the use of other contraceptives. More than half of the teen girls in the study said that they were using the birth control pill. They also said that they have relied on their partners to use condoms. I think the accessibility of contraceptives has led to more using them.
The key to sex education is for parents to talk to their kids. Keep the lines of communication open and remember that your kids do listen.

Click here to read the CBS News story on the study.  Questions?  Email me at drpaul@henrypaulmd.com

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

HE DIED OF A HEROIN OVERDOSE!

July 20th, 2015

A growing number of obituaries of people who have died of heroin overdoses refer to their addiction, The New York Times reports. In the past, these obituaries tended to say a person died “unexpectedly” or “at home.”  Partnership for Drug-Free KidsMore Obituaries Refer to Addiction as Heroin Overdoses Increase”

26559211_sHeroin again! I have written blogs about painkiller and heroin addiction for the past year and the need in this country for more awareness. Now I applaud families who are opening up about their loved one’s addiction, particularly in obituaries. In the past, obituaries referred to overdose deaths as an “undisclosed” or “sudden” illness. Now families are candidly disclosing the cause of death as a drug addiction. Families are not trying to scare anyone. On the contrary, they are helping to promote awareness that just may save a life.
“This is part of a trend toward a greater degree of acceptance and destigmatization about issues pertaining to mental illness, including addiction,” said Dr. Jeffrey A. Lieberman, Chairman of Psychiatry at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, in the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids article.

He added, “If a family chooses to do this, they can have a cathartic experience that facilitates the grieving process. When the person was alive, they may have been enabling, and they couldn’t acknowledge it. But this allows them to begin that process of coming to terms with the fallibility of the family member and their own limitations in not having been able to deal with it while the person was alive.”

I found a comment posted by “Charlie” to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids article said it best, “No one plans on being addicted. They think they are stronger than that. Heroin messes up how your brain processes things. It messes up your entire system. These are people that made a bad decision once or maybe twice and the addiction took hold of them.”

The news media is reminding us every day that we have a serious painkiller and heroin epidemic in this country. All teenagers will be exposed to drugs and alcohol at some point. Studies show that about 65 percent of teenagers try marijuana in high school, but for many children drug experimentation begins even earlier, in grade, middle or junior high school. Parents need to understand that alcohol and marijuana are gateway drugs. What I am concerned about is that there are still so many parents and teens that don’t understand the dangers. Teenagers are known for risky behavior. It is part of their development. Many teens don’t think about the cause and effect correlation of drugs and alcohol with the greater likelihood of becoming involved in criminal activity, suffering from suicidal tendencies, or facing other life-threatening dangers such as death from overdose.

We need to work together to do a better job at keeping our at-risk population safe from drug addiction. It really is a matter of life and death. For more information on addiction you can visit:

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE GROWING HEROIN EPIDEMIC

HEROIN AGAIN!

Why heroin is spreading in America’s suburbs — The drug has followed prescription painkillers into new neighborhoods, forcing police and parents to confront an unexpected problem. By Kristina Lindborg, March 2014, cover story.

Nice coalition.  Look for coalitions in your area.  Powertotheparent.org

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL? ONE OF THE TOP REASONS PARENTS CALL ME

July 16th, 2015

39930034_s“Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act, or IDEA, public school districts nationwide are required to provide a free and appropriate public education to all students diagnosed with a disability. The mandate requires schools to identify students who may have learning impairments, and to develop a plan to educate them appropriately at no extra cost to parents.”   Public Schools Delay or Deny Special Education Services for Most Vulnerable Students (NBC News)

Schooling and education are a major focus of adolescence and are one of the most frequent reasons that parents call me for a psychiatric consultation for their children. Teenagers spend most of their time during the day at school. It is easy to understand why problems at school then become such a major focus for parents – not to mention the anxiety that the teen is feeling. It is also easy to understand that problems in school are often an indicator of problems elsewhere, and it is important that parents be able to differentiate the two. As with athletics in some families, school performance becomes a major focus of parents’ anxieties, ambitions, and vicarious living. Also, they may project problems in their lives on their children’s performance.

It is normal for teenagers to experience some problems at school that are not particularly serious, especially during what are called the transition years, moving from middle school to junior high school or from high school to high school. It’s unusual to find teenagers who don’t experience some degree of stress at these times. But when school problems persist long past these transitions and become more deeply entrenched, there is a problem.

Here are some simple things to do if you suspect problems at school:

  • Contact your teenager’s guidance counselor and set-up a meeting. If there is a specific clas, that seems troubling for your teenager you should contact that teacher and ask to meet. You may want to set-up this meeting to include the guidance counselor.
  • Often an undiagnosed learning disability may be the underlying factor. Learning disorders can have a serious impact on a teen’s performance and their self-esteem. Many of you have most likely heard the terms ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder), OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), Spectrum Disorder (including Autism), and many more.

Special education is part of the public school system in the United States, and its function is to make sure that children who are diagnosed with learning disorders or medical conditions that affect learning get the services they need. Navigating the waters of the special education system can often be complicated for parents. There are both Federal and State mandates that affect special education services. Key players in making sure that your child gets the proper services include the child’s pediatrician and/or psychiatrist, the school CSE (Committee on Special Education), the school’s guidance office and teachers, and you. Sadly, there are schools who will fight or delay the services. In that case, you may need to hire an attorney or seek out a special education advocate.
Here are some resources to help you understand the rights of children with disabilities.

Robin’s blog.  She was the mother Jarrod in the NBC story.

The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), founded in 1979, is a leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

KIDS ONLY PRETEND NOT TO LISTEN

July 9th, 2015

36213157_sI want to start by saying parents do have a lot more influence with their children than they think. Don’t be fooled by your kids appearing not to listen to you. They’re listening. And when it comes to preventing substance abuse what you say is important.

In 2013, SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) reported that “according to the 2004 to 2011 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, 1 in 5 (22.3 percent) parents of teens aged 12 to 17 thought that what they said would have little influence on whether their child used drugs. Nearly 1 in 10 parents of teens (9.1 percent) said they did not talk to their child about the dangers of using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs in the past year. Nonetheless, among the parents who had not talked to their child, the majority (67.7 percent) thought what they say would influence whether their child uses drugs.”

A 2013 study by the MetLife Foundation and The Partnership at Drugfree.org reported, “Teen prescription drug misuse and abuse continues to be a significant health problem threatening the well-being of American youth. Currently, one in four teens (24 percent) admits to having misused or abused a prescription drug at least once in their lifetime. It is a bigger problem than many parents know or really understand.

Parent permissiveness and lax attitudes toward misuse and abuse of prescription medicines, coupled with teens’ ease of access to prescription medicines in the home are linked to teen medicine misuse and abuse. The availability of prescription drugs (in the family medicine cabinet, in the homes of friends and family) makes them that much easier to misuse and abuse, and the new survey findings stress that teens are more likely to misuse and abuse prescription medicines if they think their parents are okay with it.”

I have stated over-and-over again that the line of communication between parents and children, particularly teens, needs to be a good one. Whether discussing drugs, sexual preference, depression, peer pressure or any of the many other stresses that affect kids and teens today, you have to engage in the conversation. As important as talking to your kids is listening to them. Listen to their concerns and try to understand how they feel. Do your homework too. Read up on substance abuse and teens. Understand how difficult it is for a teen to “come out”. Seek support when you need it. There are plenty of groups including drug awareness and substance prevention coalitions that will help you.

The MetLife Foundation and The Partnership at Drugfree.org concluded that “Parents and caregivers are missing a key opportunity to play an active role in helping curb the trend of teen medicine misuse and abuse. Parents can safeguard prescriptions in their home, educate themselves about the dangers and risks of this dangerous behavior (for their teens and themselves), and communicate those risks to their children.”

Lastly, I want to remind parents that communication isn’t always verbal. Body language and actions can speak volumes about what is going on in a teenager’s life. Know the signs of substance abuse, bullying, eating disorders and more. The more you understand what your kids face growing up in the world today the better able you are to help. A number of my blogs deal directly with teen struggles with sexual identity, learning disorders and drug and substance abuse. Take a look.  Another good reference is the SAMSHA handbook, “Navigating the Teen Years: A Parent’s Handbook for Raising Healthy Teens”. Check it out.

Read the study: The MetLife Foundation and The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Disclaimer
This blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

 

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

July 7th, 2015

33470854_sOf the 25-million American adults who drink alcohol, 45 percent of them started drinking when they were teenagers. Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in the United States. And yes, it is a drug! It is widely advertised, easily bought and glamorized on television. Also, many parents drink and their teens see it. For various reasons parents seem to tolerate teen drinking more than the use of any other drug. Although, the legalization of marijuana is changing that too. Parents seem to see this as a “rite of passage” and connect it with their own youthful experiences. The fact is not everyone who drinks becomes an alcoholic. But teaching your teenager to “drink responsibly” does send a message that underscores its possible dangers and the fact that underage drinking is illegal!

Parents need to teach their children the dangers of alcohol just like they would talk about the dangers of any other drugs. Alcohol is addicting! It can damage the body, slow reflexes and impede judgement. It can lead to risky behaviors and be a gateway to other drugs. Family communication is key. Every 15 minutes a teenager dies from drug use or drinking. Make sure your “don’t do drugs” talk includes the drugs in the liquor cabinet and the refrigerator? Know that hosting a party for underage drinking is also illegal and has serious consequences for you.

You have the most influence in your teenager’s life. Even with all the social media banging down the door today if you have open communication with your teenager that will go a long way in keeping them safe. Demonstrating responsible drinking and good judgement regarding alcohol is worth more than a thousand lectures. If your teenager goes to a party and you are concerned about drinking; call the parents hosting the party. Firm parental limits are necessary. The point is not to berate your teenager or to mete out harsh punishment but rather to make it clear that use of alcohol is not permitted and will not be tolerated.

Remember when talking to your child to be a good listener. Make sure that the conversation is age-appropriate and that you offer praise for effort. Make sure to ask questions, validate your teenager’s feelings and don’t yell at them. Teenagers are curious and are looking for answers so provide them. This will make life easier for all involved and will help keep your teenagers safe.

Disclaimer
This blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.