DR. WALLACE: I'm dating a guy who used to do all kinds of drugs, but he has been clean ever since I've gone out with him. Because of his past, my parents want me to stop seeing him. It doesn't help when my brother calls him "drug head."

What can I do to get my parents to realize he doesn't do drugs anymore? If he didn't have a drug history, he probably would be considered almost perfect. He's intelligent, funny, handsome and very kind. He treats me like every girl in the world wants to be treated. Help! — Angel, Nogales, Ariz.

ANGEL: I can understand your parents' concern. Rarely are moms and dads thrilled to learn their child is dating someone who has a history of drug use.

Still, if what you said is accurate, the guy deserves a second chance. The best way to win your parents over is to provide opportunities for them to get to know him better, so they can judge his true character. Whenever possible, bring him home or otherwise make plans for him to be with your family. It may not be easy, but over time you should gradually be able to put their suspicions about him to rest.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM FOR ADMINISTRATORS

DR. WALLACE: Why do college students drink so much? They're supposed to be the brightest of our young people, but I've read that college students consume more alcohol than people the same age who are not attending college. Something is terribly wrong here. — Grandmother, Lake Charles, La.

GRANDMOTHER: Student drinking has long been a major problem for college and university administrators. There are many reasons for this.

For most students, this is their first venture away from home and the watchful eyes of Mom and Dad. Since drinking is considered an adult activity, and students want to prove their maturity, they bow to peer pressure. They drink to be accepted.

Fraternity and sorority houses are also easy places in which to consume alcohol away from authorities. In the past few years, many fraternities and sororities have admitted that the drinking problem is out of control and banned alcohol in their houses on campus. The ranks of alcohol-free houses are growing. When the students themselves are doing something to solve this problem, it's a very good sign. Things are looking brighter, Grandmother!

CHANCES ARE SHE IS NOT ANOREXIC

DR. WALLACE: My best friend is very slim and doesn't have curves where she's supposed to have curves. I read in a magazine that teens who are very thin and lack a "curvy" figure could have a serious eating disorder, anorexia, which could lead to death. My friend doesn't eat normal teen junk food like hamburgers and French fries, but she does eat normal food, such as fruits and vegetables. Last night she ate a piece of pizza at a friend's birthday party. She even ate a sliver of birthday cake. Is it possible that my friend is anorexic? She's 14. — Nameless, Augusta, Maine.

NAMELESS: Almost certainly, your friend simply has a slender body type and her curves will be coming soon. It would be rare for someone suffering from anorexia nervosa to eat pizza and cake, even small pieces.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.