Dr. Henry Paul, MD

Psychiatrist, Author and Educator

Tag Archives: children of alcoholics

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.

MOM’S AN ALCOHOLIC

June 29th, 2015

31257327_sIt is estimated that 76 million Americans, or over 40 percent of the adult population in the United States, have been exposed to alcoholism in their family. More disturbing is that one in five Americans lived with an alcoholic parent while growing up. Alcoholic parents are demonstrably lacking in basic parenting skills. Diseases like alcoholism will affect an entire family. What may have started out as occasional drinks with friends has turned into a full-blown problem. Alcoholism is a disease and needs to be treated like one.

Alcoholism in families induces violent behavior, abnormal mood swings, financial strain, and continuous fighting. Often co-morbid psychiatric illnesses develop, too. Sadly, alcoholism tends to run in families with children of alcoholics four times more likely to become alcoholics than children of non-alcoholics. Some suspect a genetic factor while others emphasize the role of the family. The model the substance abusing parent sets clearly has an impact on a teenager.

Teenage children of alcoholics are also more likely to turn to drugs. Usually, they turn to drugs because of a lack of parental intervention. The parent is too involved with her addiction to be able to support good choices with her teenagers. Often parents don’t even realize that their addiction adversely affects their children and they certainly don’t realize how difficult it is on their kids.

Children of alcoholics are more likely to be the victims of abuse, and more will witness family violence. They also exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety more frequently than the children of parents who do not abuse drugs and alcohol. Difficulties in school are very common, even though this usually does not indicate any lack of intellectual ability. The lack of healthy stimulation in the home is implicated in the teen’s academic problems. Children of alcoholics are more likely to drop out of school, repeat grades, be truant, or be referred for behavioral problems to school counselors or psychologists.

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.