The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

Warning signs your teen might be using drugs or drinking This is a difficult question that many parents have to face on a daily basis.   Parents who spend a great deal of time with their teenagers are often tuned into what is normal behavior and what is not.   However, even parents who are actively involved in the daily activities of their teenagers may overlook – or subconsciously deny – the earliest signs of a substance abuse problem.   Some of the clues that your teenager may exhibit when using drugs or alcohol are fairly subtle, but others are rather obvious:  Many hours spent alone, especially in their room; persistent isolation from the rest of the family.   This is particular suspicious in a youngster who had not been a loner until now.  Resistance to taking with or confiding in parents, secretiveness, especially in a teenager who had previously been open.   Be sure that your teenager is not being secretive because every time he tries to c...

Let's face it, our teens are very smart or they wouldn't be keen enough to manipulate parents into believing they are as innocent as they aren't! On a weekly basis I receive calls from parents about their highly intelligent teens that are smoking pot, using drugs, drinking and other risky behavior.  These kids can also be extremely good athlete's that have recently lost interest in their sport too.  What is going on?  Is it peer pressure, low self-esteem or something else?  Are they being bullied in school, did something happen that we don't know about?  Either way it is time to get your teenager help before it escalate into addiction or worse. Your intelligence at 16 is a strong indicator of how much and how often you will drink throughout adulthood. Over the last 55 years, in the U.S. and U.K., several studies have been conducted that show a direct relationship between childhood intelligence and adult alcohol consumption. Controlling for a huge plethor...

Parenting a teen can be challenging! But hang in there—talking with your teen is an important part of helping keep your family safe. Fortunately, you can improve parent-teen communication simply by learning how teens reason and make choices. (Hint: It’s different from adults!) You can also learn communication strategies that encourage teens to come out of their shells. Find these insights, tips, and techniques in MADD program brochure . Isn’t it better for parents to give teens alcohol under supervision? Won’t we help them learn to drink responsibly that way?  Parents, of course, have the choice of how to raise their own children. But you might want to consider lessons from science before handing your son or daughter a drink. Research shows that when parents give alcohol to kids, those children are more likely to get into alcohol-related trouble and they’re more likely to drink to get drunk than other young people. Giving kids a drink—even with the best of edu...

It is that time of the year and teens are excited about their proms and graduation. With this usually comes celebration, but remember, drinking age is usually 21 years-old.  Parents need to encourage their teens to make smart choices.  There is the POWER of PARENTS! Steps you can take at home: Help your son or daughter steer clear of the dangers of underage drinking with these five steps: Step 1: Think of yourself as a coach Your role in preventing underage drinking is similar to coaching. You can help your teen by Sharing information Discussing choices and monitoring behavior Helping your teen anticipate and handle challenging situations Cheering your teen on to make smart, safe choices Step 2: Get busy communicating Begin a series of conversations with your son or daughter—proactively, before he or she gets caught drinking—about how: Alcohol is a drug with serious sedative effects Drinking has health dangers and other risks for young people...

You probably see and hear a lot about alcohol—from TV, movies, music, and your friends. But what are the real facts about underage alcohol use? Myth Alcohol isn't as harmful as other drugs. FACT Alcohol increases your risk for many deadly diseases, such as cancer. Drinking too much alcohol too quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can kill you. Myth Drinking is a good way to loosen up at parties. FACT Drinking is a dumb way to loosen up. It can make you act silly, say things you shouldn't say, and do things you wouldn't normally do (like get into fights). Myth Drinking alcohol will make me cool. FACT There's nothing cool about stumbling around, passing out, or puking on yourself. Drinking alcohol also can cause bad breath and weight gain. Myth All of the other kids drink alcohol. I need to drink to fit in. FACT If y...

And the ONE RULE you need to follow to stop it! The Pre-Game Teens often indulge in a “ pre-game ” drinking binge before parties or sports events. Large quantities are consumed quickly in order to sustain a sense of inebriation over many hours. The point of a pre-game binge is to achieve inebriation before an event where access to alcohol and drugs will be restricted. Pre-gaming is especially dangerous in that it often occurs in a vehicle. Although drinking can occur during the drive to the event, teens may also drink in the parking lot of the event venue. Alcohol can also be smuggled into venues, disguised in water bottles or hidden inside large purses or jackets. The Parent Game Plan : Before parties and big events, be involved as your teen prepares. When possible, drive your teen and his friends to the venue. As always, be honest with your teen about the dangers of drinking and your stance on the issue. Working for the Weekend Some kids work hard all ...

April is Alcohol Awareness Month.   Though parents shouldn't need a reminder to talk to their kids about the dangers and risks of underage drinking, this is a good time to be sure you find time to set aside and discuss this subject.  Peer pressure can be extremely powerful force - especially in middle school and high school. 1)  At what age would you suggest parents start talking to kids about alcohol? Should parents bring it up independently, or wait for their children to ask before broaching the topic? Like with any sensitive and serious subject, as soon as a parent believes their child is mature enough to understand the topic (alcohol) is when they should start discussions.  It can start by asking them their thoughts on alcohol, listen to them carefully and remember, never criticize.  Start the discussion at their level and start learning from each other. Education is the key to prevention and can help your child to better understand ...

At first, "drunkorexia" may sound like kind of a funny word, jokingly made up to describe a situation in which college students and others forgo food in order to be able to afford more alcohol and feel higher effects of alcohol on an empty stomach. But what some may brush off as crazy college-kid behavior is actually a serious problem that can have highly damaging consequences both in long- and short-term health. Of course, that hasn't stopped college students from engaging in this unhealthy trend, and a study at the University of Missouri-Columbia indicated that one in six students had practiced drunkorexia within the last year. Typically, drunkorexia is done by women; the study showed that three out of four drunkorexia respondents were female. Students may not realize that drunkorexia is incredibly damaging to their health, but the fact remains that the practice puts them at risk for problems like sexually transmitted diseases, malnutrition, and even s...

Could your parenting style be driving your child to binge drink? For teenagers, friends play a big role in the decision to take that first drink. And by the 12th grade, more than 65 percent of teens have at least experimented with alcohol. But what parents do during the high school years can also influence whether teens go on to binge drink or abuse alcohol . Researchers at Brigham Young University have found that teenagers who grow up with parents who are either too strict or too indulgent tend to binge drink more than their peers . "While parents didn't have much of an effect on whether their teens tried alcohol, they can have a significant impact on the more dangerous type of drinking," says Stephen Bahr, a professor of sociology at BYU, and the author of the study that was published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs . As part of the survey of 5,000 teenagers, Bahr and his colleagues asked 7th- to 12th-grade students a series of q...

Drinking & Driving, never a good mix. This time of year often comes with an increase in free time and a decrease in adult supervision. As your child becomes more and more curious about alcohol, he or she may turn to you for answers and advice. Use this opportunity to start an open, honest conversation about drinking. Since some questions can be difficult to answer, it's important to be prepared. Q)  I got invited to a party, can I go? A)  Ask your child if an adult will be present at the party, or if he or she thinks children will be drinking. Remind your child that even just being at a party where underage people are drinking can get them in trouble. Use this time to establish or reinforce your rules about alcohol, and what behavior you expect. Q)  Why do you drink? A)  Explain to your child your reasons for drinking – whether it's to enhance a meal, share good times with friends, or celebrate a special occasion. Point out that if you choose ...

Don't be a parent in denial, get your teen help. Alcohol Awareness Month , as declared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), aims to raise awareness about the seriousness of alcohol dependency and alcoholism, while recognizing the serious problem of alcohol abuse. It is an ideal time to educate yourself and loved ones about the dangers of alcohol abuse. A modest meeting amongst friends on campus can be enhanced immeasurably with the introduction of a fun, buzz-inducing drinking game. Of course, drinking in general is associated with the college experience, in which young adults assert their independence by going buck wild. Such behavior usually comes with the lack of a true understanding of the consequences of alcohol, and thus reckless behavior — albeit fun behavior — ensues. Consequently, some drinking games can turn a lively shindig into a deadly or at least vomit-inducing...

Talk to your teens about the dangers of drinking A modest meeting amongst friends on campus can be enhanced immeasurably with the introduction of a fun, buzz-inducing drinking game. Of course, drinking in general is associated with the college experience, in which young adults assert their independence by going buck wild. Such behavior usually comes with the lack of a true understanding of the consequences of alcohol, and thus reckless behavior — albeit fun behavior — ensues. Consequently, some drinking games can turn a lively shindig into a deadly or at least vomit-inducing debacle. Here are a few to avoid if you value the function of your liver (or eyeball). Vodka Eyeballing : Originating in the UK, the Vodka Eyeballing craze has spread across the Atlantic Ocean thanks to YouTube , and now it's catching on with numbskull American teens and college students. Unlike other drinking games, the feared repercussion isn't alcohol poisoning; it's the potential o...

The day has arrived when many are getting ready to bring in the new year and have plans to do it in their own way.  Many include alcohol a way to celebrate, and as although underage drinking is illegal, it is a fact many teens will be drinking. As a parent, what can you do?  Communication is always key, reminding them of the dangers of drinking and driving and the fact that buzzed driving is drunk driving.  Parents may want to be in denial that their teen would consume alcohol or other substances that impair them, but remember, never say never.  Always be proactive, never stop talking about it. AAA Auto Club South and Anheuser-Busch, Inc . are joining hands to provide “ Tow to Go ” to provide a confidential ride home and tow, free of charge , to anyone who may have had too much to drink by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP (4357) in Florida (including Jacksonville) and Georgia.  Print this out and give it to a loved one that is going out tonight...

New Year's Eve is upon us and whether you are planning on going out or staying home it is important to know and  understand that buzzed driving is drunk driving .  They kill equally and destroy families in the same way. Last year, an average of 62 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes each day over the New Year’s holiday.  Don't become a statistic and don't cause one. Show your support to end buzzed driving by pledging to make good decisions by not driving under the influence of alcohol. Take the time to share the pledge with others and with your help, we can end buzzed driving. I'm going to be smart; I won't drive while buzzed.   Even just one too many drinks can impair my driving and lead to devastating consequences. It's just not worth it. Buzzed driving is drunk driving so I'm going to make sure I make responsible choices that don't endanger myself and others. - Sue Scheff   Isn't it time you took the pledge? ...

During this festive season of holiday parties, luncheons and dinners, some adult may over-indulge.  Whether it is food or drinking, going over your usually limit with treats is common when celebrating. However, when it comes to your teens, you need to be an example to them .  Holiday cheer can be fun without the high intake of alcohol. Alcohol Facts: (Booze) What is It? Alcohol is created when grains, fruits, or vegetables are fermented, a process that uses yeast or bacteria to change the sugars in the food into alcohol. Alcohol has different forms and can be used as a cleaner or antiseptic; however the kind of alcohol that people drink is ethanol, which is a sedative. When alcohol is consumed, it's absorbed into a person's bloodstream. From there, it affects the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), which controls virtually all body functions. Alcohol actually blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain. This alters a person's per...

Dr. Michele Borba , Parenting Expert and author of over 26 books, including The Big Book of Parenting Solutions , has just given us another sneak peek into her research on parenting. Recently featured on Dr. Phil , Michele Borba is one of our country's leading Parenting Expert and has put together an encyclopedia-like book of parenting solutions.  Inside you will find just about every answer to every issue from toddlers to teenagers.   Here is some her her findings on teenagers: Think drinking is only a “ boy ” problem? Just-released data from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America may make you think again. The survey results on 3287 teens in grades nine through twelve reveal a troubling trend— especially for girls. And why kids are getting high is particularly disturbing. Study highlights include: More than two-thirds of teen girls admit using drugs to help them cope with stress at home Half of the girls said that drugs help them forget their troub...

Teenagers will be teenagers, however when their physical and emotional health is at risk, parents need to be parents - immediately .  Parents are the anti-drug .  Parents should be parents first and friends second. This latest game, ' vodka eyeballing ', which different theories link the trend back to British tabloids or Vegas nightclubs, is back. There are two ways people can do it. The first is with a shot glass. However, because the name of the game is all about getting drunk quickly, some people just take a bottle of booze and pour it straight to the eye. According to News4Jax , " It can lead to severe and ultimately permanent blindness ," said Dr. Amit Chokshi, a local ophthalmologist. What can parents do? Talk to your teens. Education and communication is the key to prevention.  Be Too Smart to Start. Read more.

With the recent trial taking place in St. John's County , Florida of the mother that served alcohol and drugs at her home with teens, that resulted in two teens losing their lives in an auto accident, should have all parents thinking twice.  Teens and drinking is a serious concern - it is a fact, it is illegal for teens to drink in the United States under the age of 21. Source: Connect with Kids Teens and Drinking What Parents Don't Know “ Faithfully I stayed up every Friday and Saturday night, to check to see if [my son] was sober, to make sure that he got home. And he always appeared fine to me... I was clueless.” – Hedwig O'Brien, mother The statistics are sobering. In a recent national survey of more than 2,500 eleventh and twelfth graders, 90 percent of teens believe their counterparts are more likely to drink and drive on prom night and 79 percent believe the same is true for graduation night. Would most parents know if their children were drinking or usi...