A Parent's Guide to Sex, Drugs, and Flunking Out: Answers to the Questions Your College Student Doesn't Want You to Ask [Paperback]

Joel Epstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 27, 2001

Difficult roommates. Alcohol and drug use. Money matters. Academic pressure. Helping your college-bound child make healthy choices-in the midst of newfound freedoms and unprecedented excesses-presents an entirely new area of parenting challenges. Joel Epstein, a scholar and leader in the field of post-secondary student affairs, offers parents friendly and practical advice about assisting their children with the transition to college life.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Targeting parents of the college-bound, Epstein (former associate director, U.S. Department of Education's Higher Education Ctr. for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention) considers many issues, including course selection, student credit cards, and the titular sex and drugs. The dramatic title belies Epstein's gentle intent: "keeping open the lines of communication with your child will increase the probability that your child chooses the right school and makes the most of the college experience." Although he does include some abbreviated lists, like questions to ask administrators, (e.g., "Is alcohol sold on campus?"), this is not a how-to guide. Instead, it encourages thoughtful consideration of the multitude of issues facing college students and insightfully weaves material from interviewees pinpointing these concerns. Something along the lines of Dr. Ruth's Guide to College Life (LJ 10/1/00) should be considered as a practical guide. While this will be eye-opening for some ("Gosh, there are raves on campuses?"), and most will find something of value, the book addresses many issues broadly instead of few substantively. To supplement the collections of large public libraries. Douglas C. Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Hartford
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Although this book is targeted at parents with children about to enter college, Epstein rightly recommends that parents of younger children read it in preparation. Epstein emphasizes that not every child is ready for college right after graduating from high school. Some need the year off for remediation to sharpen study habits and basic skills, some in order to mature. Using profiles of students and parents, Epstein provides direction in helping parents select the school that is right for their children in terms of academics, social environment, size, and proximity. By making wise selections, parents and students can help avoid depression and reliance on drugs and alcohol to cope with a college where the student doesn't fit in. Epstein includes research on alcohol and drug abuse among college students and reports on various colleges and universities regarding abuses in athletic programs and other issues. He also outlines the college visit, admissions process, tuition payment plans, financial aid and scholarships, and use and abuse of credit cards. A useful handbook. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Hazelden (August 27, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568385714
• ISBN-13: 978-1568385716
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,212,201 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent help for parents facing the college search..., November 8, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: A Parent's Guide to Sex, Drugs, and Flunking Out: Answers to the Questions Your College Student Doesn't Want You to Ask (Paperback)

Going through the college search and application process is not easy. This books offers supportive, informative, useful information to help parents. I wish I had read it when we did this with our first child and I'm glad I did now that we are starting again with our second. Although some of the information is sobering, it is important for parents to know. Joel Epstein really knows the subject well and it is worth reading this book early in the college process. You will get some excellent tips for helping your family get through it!

3.0 out of 5 stars ok?, November 12, 2011

By 

alpolar25 - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Parent's Guide to Sex, Drugs, and Flunking Out: Answers to the Questions Your College Student Doesn't Want You to Ask (Paperback)

this book is a great tool for both parents and students. for the parent is to set straight the myths surrounding campus life. For the student is to be aware that college is a big step in life, but that should not stop you for going to college. I would recommended this book as an ice breaker for students too shy to talk about troubles they have and to use it as a reference point for themselves because anything that there planing on doing might have already been done. so on that note all i can say is "will this affect me longer that i think it will"

5.0 out of 5 stars terrific book, June 6, 2011

By 

K. Sarachik (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Parent's Guide to Sex, Drugs, and Flunking Out: Answers to the Questions Your College Student Doesn't Want You to Ask (Paperback)

Wonderful, very helpful. And the author knows what he is talking about. A good investment and addition to any college student's books or for their parents!