Although many people are aware of the effects of alcohol abuse on family and friends, missing from this equation is a child’s reaction to a parent who drinks too much.

When discussing the potential side effects of drugs, risks must be viewed within a realistic context. Indeed, my last column on Ecstasy, or MDMA, and today’s on GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) and ketamine, contain information that is factually correct.

Recently, one of my patients with bipolar disorder took Ecstasy at a rave. Within 60 minutes she had collapsed on the dance floor from dehydration.

Watching someone we love lose their sense of self has become an all-too-common occurrence in Canada and, indeed, in many parts of the world. Even as adults, our childhood image of our parents is firmly imprinted into our minds. The piece-by-piece loss of this image is painful to witness and frightening to the afflicted.

A common student question asked at Canterbury High School focuses upon the melange of moral, ethical and consequential aspects of smoking cannabis.

Although great strides in public education about depressive illness has led to better treatment and less suffering, I think we must prevent the pendulum from swinging too far whereby people lose their innate ability to distinguish normal grief from clinical depression.

Mr. S. was visibly upset about his wife’s behaviour and mood swings. Her “gambling addiction” playing the slots accumulated $40,000 in debt. Mrs. S. admitted gambling was a problem but continued to do so because of the exhilaration of knowing she would win the big prize. There were other notable behaviours.

One of the more difficult aspects of answering teen questions is the degree of angst and pain that spills from them. Although the majority of our teenage children progress through adolescence to become well-adjusted, productive adults, a substantial minority is desperate for help during life’s stressful events.

In this continuing series based on teens’ questions asked at Canterbury High School, today’s column looks at the drug issue, which is all too often intertwined with the issue of sex among teenagers.

How have society’s changing attitudes about sexual activity and responsibility affected our teenage children?

The Medical Institute for Sexual Health, a U.S. non-profit group promoting sexual abstinence outside marriage, lists the devastating toll laissez-faire attitudes have had on our teens.

As adolescents progress through their teenage years we bear witness to their emotional and cognitive development. Some sprout early and surprise us with their clarity of thought and insight. Others remain stuck in neutral for long stretches of time. This is one of the challenges of providing adolescent care.

Most people know the risks of cigarette smoking. They often employ many strategies to quit, often with lukewarm success. An understanding of the addictive nature and the associated habits and triggers of smoking is essential before attempting a smoking cessation program.

You walk a fine line at times when responding to teens’ questions. One frequently asked centers around comparisons between marijuana, cigarettes and alcohol. For example, a common question is, “What is worse, smoking a joint or smoking a cigarette?”

‘Just say no’ won’t work when it comes to talking to your teenager about the dangers of smoking marijuana. Much more will be achieved with rational discussions about responsibility

School children tend to set the agenda when it comes to what health info they want

Despite numerous health advisory and information campaigns, inroads into curbing or modifying deleterious adolescent behaviours remain wanting. There are many reasons, including competition from television and movies, advertising, peer pressure, academic responsibilities, development of independent attitudes and rebelliousness, and their own social calendar

Our governments spend millions of dollars a year to combat the scourge of teen smoking. Many “hip” public health campaigns have been tried with limited success.

Throw away those old truisms about cigarettes. Here are some new ways to talk to teens about smoking.

I remember my first day in my new school grade six class a soft spoken friendly boy who sat behind me tapped my shoulder and introduced himself. It is one of those times in one’s life that you remember as if it was yesterday. From this blossomed a true friendship. We quickly became the best of friends. It was the best school year I ever had.

There are times when one encounters a patient who leaves a haunting permanent impression in your mind. The situations that lead to such heart-wrenching memories can make it difficult to remain objective.

A 13-year-old girl erroneously believes her suicide will improve life for her eight-year-old brother

Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen, June 21, 2001 Post Partum Depression (PPD) is a severe debilitating illness. It occurs in about one in ten childbearing women. It can cause women untold and unnecessary suffering and guilt. It is important to keep in mind the difference between the “baby blues” and PPD.

Life is about options, the choices we make and the paths we follow. For some it can be a bittersweet experience. Yet, these decisions can alter the lives of many. Some are aware of these changes and some, regretfully, are not.