Parent's Universal Resource Experts and Sue Scheff: Alcohol and Rape by Connect With Kids

“If we drink too much then we don’t pay attention to as many things in our environment.”

– Corinne McNamara, rape crisis specialist

GHB, “roofies,” Ketamine – all are known as “date rape” drugs. But experts say there is another drug that is easier to get, less expensive, and accounts for more than 65 percent of all date rapes.

Drinking may be a part of Erin’s college experience, but she says she knows her limits.

“I know that when I go out to party my goal is not to go out and get drunk, it’s just to have a good time,” says Erin, 18.

Still, her mom is afraid.

“What I worry is, she’s lost control and she’s at the mercy of whoever she happens to be with,” says Terry Dillard, Erin’s mother.

Alcohol is the real date rape drug. According to a study from the University of Ulster in Ireland, alcohol is involved in more than 65 percent of date rapes. Many experts say the problem is the same in the United States.

“If we drink too much then we don’t pay attention to as many things in our environment,” says Corinne McNamara, rape crisis specialist.

McNamara says that parents should teach their daughters that drinking could compromise their safety.

“Although it’s not your fault if something bad happens to you -- for example, if you are raped it’s not your fault – [but] these are some of the things you can do to avoid dangerous situations,” says McNamara.

First, she says, don’t drink underage. It’s dangerous and against the law. Second, if you do drink, bring along a friend who won’t leave your side.

“I think that’s a great idea to have a friend with you on the side who’s sort of like ‘you need to stop now’ or ‘we need to go back to the dorm now,’” says Erin.

Experts add that kids also need to pay attention to their intuition.

“Listen to that voice in the back of your mind that says ‘this is an awkward situation, I need to leave now’,” says Corinne.

Erin knows the risk of sexual assault is real, but she says she won’t be paralyzed by fear.

“I want to be careful with what I do, but I don’t want to go out there and just stay away from everything, keep myself locked up in my room, not be a part of things because I’m scared something bad might happen to me,” says Erin.

Tips for Parents

Make sure your children know the basic facts about drinking: it slows reflexes, distorts vision, reduces coordination, can cause memory lapses and even blackouts; it can lead to poor judgment and lowered inhibitions – which can lead to risky behaviors like driving while drunk and unprotected sex; that drinking large quantities of alcohol at one time or very rapidly can cause potentially fatal alcohol poisoning; and that it’s illegal to possess or obtain alcohol under the age of 21. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Avoid secluded places (this may even mean your room or your partner's room) until you trust your partner. (Nemours Foundation)

Don't spend time alone with someone who makes you feel uneasy or uncomfortable. This means following your instincts and removing yourself from situations that you don't feel good about. (Nemours Foundation)

Stay sober and aware. If you're with someone you don't know very well, be aware of what's going on around you and try to stay in control. Also, if you are a male, be aware of your date's ability to consent to sexual activity; you may become guilty of committing rape if the other person is not in a condition to respond or react. (Nemours Foundation)

If you're injured, go straight to the emergency room -- most medical centers and hospital emergency departments have doctors and counselors who have been trained to take care of someone who has been raped. (Nemours Foundation)

References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Human Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Nemours Foundation

Parents Universal Resource Experts & Sue Scheff: Childhood Depression by Psych Central

Depression is a serious health problem that affects people of all ages, including children and adolescents. It is the persistent experience of a sad or irritable mood and the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities. These feelings are accompanied by a range of additional symptoms affecting appetite and sleep, activity level and concentration, and feelings of self-worth.

Clinical depression is more than just �feeling blue� or having a bad day. And it's different from the feelings of grief or sorrow that might follow a major loss, such as a death in the family. It�s not a personal weakness or a character flaw. Children and teens with clinical depression cannot simply �snap out of it.�

Depression is a form of mental illness that affects the whole body � it impacts the way one feels, thinks and acts. If left untreated, depression can lead to school failure, alcohol or other drug use, and even suicide.


Know The Signs.

Persistent sadness and hopelessness.
Withdrawal from friends and activities once enjoyed.
Increased irritability or agitation.
Missed school or poor school performance.
Changes in eating and sleeping habits (e.g. significant weight loss or insomnia).
Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness.
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
Frequent physical complaints such as headaches and stomachaches.
Lack of enthusiasm or motivation.
Low energy and chronic fatigue.
Drug and/or alcohol abuse.
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

Know The Facts.

As many as one in every 33 children and approximately one in eight adolescents may have depression. (Center for Mental Health Services, 1996).
Treatment of major depression is as effective for children as it is for adults. (Dr. Graham Emslie, American Medical Association, Archives of General Psychiatry, November 15, 1997).
What are some of the risk factors for depression?
Children under stress, who have experienced loss, or who have attention, learning, or conduct disorders are at a higher risk for depression (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry).
Adolescent girls are more likely than adolescent boys to develop depression (National Institute of Mental Health).
Youth, particularly younger children, who develop depression are likely to have a family history of the disorder (National Institute of Mental Health).
Four out of every five runaway youth suffer from depression (U.S. Select Committee on Children, Youth & Families).
What are some of the consequences of depression?
Once a young person has experienced an episode of depression, he or she is at risk for developing another episode of depression within the next 5 years (Center for Mental Health Services).
Depression in childhood may predict more severe depressive illness in adulthood (National Institute of Mental Health).
Depression in children and adolescents is associated with an increased risk for suicidal behaviors (National Institute of Mental Health).
What Can Parents/Adults Do?
If parents or other adults in a young person's life suspect a problem with depression, they should:

Know the warning signs of depression and note how long problems have been going on, how often they occur, and how severe they seem.

See a mental health professional or the child's doctor for evaluation and diagnosis.
Get accurate information from libraries, hotlines and other sources.
Ask questions about treatments and services.
Talk to other families or find a family network organization.
It is important for people who have questions about, or are not satisfied with, the mental health care they receive to discuss their concerns with the provider, ask for more information and seek help from other sources.


Help is Available

Depression is treatable.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for children with depression.
Children who exhibit symptoms of depression should be referred to and evaluated by a mental health professional who specializes in treating children and adolescents.
The diagnostic evaluation may include psychological testing, laboratory tests and consultation with other specialists.
A comprehensive treatment plan may include psychotherapy, ongoing evaluation and monitoring, and in some cases, psychiatric medication.
Optimally, this plan is developed with the family, and whenever possible, the child or adolescent is involved in treatment decisions.

Read more about major depression or teenage depression now...

Parent's Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.)

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Sue Scheff -Parent's Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.)

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