Party With A Plan Spotlight

Finally! Here is a proven, practical way to drink alcohol and lower your risk for problems in Party With A Plan.

About Party With A Plan

Up until now, there have been two primary messages when it comes to drinking alcohol. One is “just say no,” which for the majority of the population is not an option. The other is to “drink responsibly.” But what does that mean? If you ask five random people to define responsible drinking, you will most likely get five completely different answers. This invalidates the term because it can be defined in so many different ways. Party With A Plan gives a concise and research based formula that teaches people how to drink and lower their risk of negative consqeuences. It’s like creating a speed limit for drinking. If you stick to the speed limit, your chance of problems is minimal. However, the more you go over the speed limit, and the more often you go over the speed limit, the more you put yourself and others at risk. This book is long overdue!

Book Trailer

About the Author

Randy Haveson knows addiction. As an alcoholic in long-term recovery (May, 1984), he has dedicated his life to helping others make more empowered choices in their lives. He is a 25 year veteran in the substance abuse field with extensive experience as a counselor, Director of Health & Alcohol Education at highly accredited universities, and speaker on over 100 campuses, speaking about harm reduction, self-esteem, leadership, and supporting students in recovery. You can connect with Randy on his website, Twitter and Facebook.

Author Interview: Tips for Parents

What tips do you give parents on how to teach their kids about alcohol?

There are so many, but I can give you a few tips that are a good place to start. One, when it comes to drinking, it’s important to be a good role model for your kids. If they see parents use alcohol to “unwind” after a long day or they watch mom pour her “never ending glass of wine” while making and eating dinner, they will see alcohol as a coping mechanism. No matter what parents say, it will be what they do that will make the biggest impact.

That makes sense. Isn’t it a good idea to teach your kids how to use alcohol by giving them some when they’re young?

Actually, no. Studies show that the earlier people start drinking, the more potential they have for developing a problem later in life. I hear people say, “But in Italy they drink at a young age.” And my answer is, “We’re not in Italy.” Different cultures have different standards when it comes to drinking. Comparing one to another does not work. In Italy and France, alcohol is seen as a food. In the US, Canada, and most other countries, alcohol is used for entertainment. When a culture sees it as a food, there are significantly less problems associated with drinking. In countries where it is viewed as entertainment, there are many more problems.

What should parents look for if they suspect their child is using drugs or drinking?

First of all, ask them. See how defensive they get. The more defensive, the more concern. Some other signs are: a change in friends, dropping grades, disinterest in things that used to interest them, excessive coughing or sniffling (like they always have a cold), more secretive, and less eye contact. Search their room for paraphernalia (the sock drawer or a shoe box in the closet are common hiding spots). If you suspect something, check it out. Don’t think, “Maybe the problem will go away.” It won’t.

Where can parents get more information on this topic?

I list resources on my website and I am creating a new video series for parents that will give them more tips on how to lower the risk of their kids getting in trouble with alcohol or other drugs. And my newest book, Party with a Plan-The Women’s Edition, was written to address issues that are specific to women when it comes to alcohol.

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