Parents should be the front line in any move to combat drug addiction among teens and they can do so much to prevent their teen’s involvement in any type of harmful drug. But this does not happen in most of the cases. Parents are considered to be the most important people in a child’s life and they look up to them as role models. If parents abuse drugs, teens are likely to abuse drugs, too. If they become irresponsible there is a great probability that their teen will be like them also.

The teenage years are inclined to be a period of great emotional turmoil as it is the transition from childhood to adulthood. As they undergo this crucial stage in their lives, a lot of issues such as peer pressure, search for identity, romantic and family relationships as well as school performance beset them. It becomes a common option for teenagers to resort to drug abuse to get rid of such issues. Teen drug abuse has actually become a prevalent phenomenon. Statistics reveal that majority of deaths in individuals in the 15-24 age bracket are attributed to alcohol or drug abuse. Likewise, criminal acts committed by teens can be accounted for by as well.

Parents should be on the lookout for physical signs like red eyes, nagging cough, irregularities in eating and sleeping habits. They should be suspicious when their teens start to have a change in their behavior and attitudes.  Deteriorating school performance, becoming irritable and aloof to family members are also warning signs. They tend to suffer from anxiety or panic attacks, chronic bronchitis and chest colds, paranoia, hypothermia, muscle tension and many more. Teen drug abuse can ruin personal and family relations and can be a harrowing problem to parents.

It is essential that drug abuse by a teenager be prevented by providing emotional security, guidance and education by the family. It is also wise to seek advice and assistance from professionals who are equipped with the needed expertise to provide guidance counsel and treatment to your teen.

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Post from: Teen Drugs

Parents Must Always Be On A Look Out For Teen Drug Abuse

The teen drug abuse statistics are alarming to say the least; just goes to show where the future of this country is heading thanks to the callous attitude adopted by adults and the open culture existence perpetrated by the media and the Internet.  In the US, there are about 3,500 teenagers who smoke every day. Nearly 27 percent of teenagers have confessed to abusing any one drug in the year 2004.  The drug that is most abused in this age group is Marijuana. Teenagers who socialize and frequent parties are known to abuse the Club Drug ‘Ecstasy’. A survey of 10th graders four years back showed that 15 percent used Marijuana, 13 percent of them used inhalants and 6 percent used a club drug

Why do teenagers abuse drugs? According to the reports put forwarded by teen treatment centers that have examined this situation and treated many youngsters, peer pressure and lack of confidence are the biggest reasons.  When a fellow teenager boasts about taking drugs and seducing a girl in his class, or when a group of drug-struck teenagers talk about the ‘highs ‘that they get by taking drugs, an impressionable teenager develops the interest in trying it out and that’s where the trouble starts brewing

Drugs are known to have dangerous effects that can harm a person’s physical and mental development. For one, it can harm the teen’s ability to absorb information and pay attention. Teenagers who have drugs are more likely to indulge in unprotected sex and even have physical relationships with a complete stranger. Teenagers who abuse drugs are usually the ones who are getting into this bad habit from a young age and if the person does not stop his or her addiction, it can be very difficult to get rid of this problem and even when treated, there are chances of relapse when quitting the drug addiction.

Anabolic steroids cause a lot of sexual problems in both the sexes. The reproductive organs are not developed properly, men tend to become impotent, and women suffer from hair loss and clitoral enlargement. Additionally, there are other repercussions like acne, skin diseases, baldness, stunted growth, stroke, liver diseases, cancer and risk of HIV/AIDS in both sexes, given the fact that some of the drugs can make a person promiscuous in nature

Substance abuse can affect the body systems and depending on whether the body is able to process the drug or not, there have been many instances of interrupted breathing from sedatives, permanent brain damage from inhalants and heart attacks from stimulants.  Needless to say, all of these drugs can lead to death as well.   Drugs according to teen rehab centers, may be taken by teens to mask their fears and anxieties but in retrospect, they actually increase these worries after the momentary ‘high’ is lost and due to increased depression, a person can actually commit suicide, kill someone or even become a homicide victim.

Post from: Teen Drugs

The Teen Drug Abuse Statistics Every Parent Should Know

Some of the common teen problems are related to academic issues, relationship problems, weight or diet issues, low self-esteem and family related matters.  Academic problems which were once related to low grades now also include a lot of pondering over the fact that their parents take a lot of education loans. More often than not, it falls squarely on these youngsters to do well and even pay the loans, once they graduate or get a good job to pay the loans. The recession and the current job scenario definitely do not make the job of getting a lucrative employment as easy as it once used to.

Relationship problems also remain a major factor that causes grievance to teenagers especially when things do not go their way. A one-sided romance, neglect or indifference in love, feeling shortchanged, feeling used in a relationship, teen abortions; these entire can leave a toll on their lives, according to teen rehabilitation facilities.

There can be deep-seated family problems which can relate to a lot of problems in the ten’s life. For instance, fights between parents, divorces, alcoholism etc can lead to a disturbed atmosphere at home and even affect the teen’s equation with his friends.  Diet problems and weight issues are majorly with girls who feel that their bodies are not hot or fit enough like the models they read about in magazines or other girls in their college and school. Some of them suffer from binging, bulimia, anorexia and other problems. Diet problems are usually due to the unrealistic expectations that people tend to harbor about themselves equating the concept of a thin body with a healthy figure

We understand that depression is something that cannot be taken lightly especially for this vulnerable age group. Unhealthy vices that can kill like drug addiction, alcohol addiction, prescription drug addiction etc; all arise out of depression. There is a definite link between the rising incidences of drug and alcohol addiction and depression; both of which seem to be directly proportional to each other.

 Teen treatment centers have made it a priority to see to it that teen problems are nipped in the bud they have the best rehab arrangement to make sure that a variety of problems that are a manifestation of depression like drug addiction, alcohol addiction, diet problems etc are taken care of.  In case, there is any teenager who is suffering from the problems of his/her life which is making them a recluse, pay attention and make sure that the person is taken to a teen treatment center as soon as  possible, so that they can benefit from the  best treatment possible.

Post from: Teen Drugs

How a Teen Treatment Center can Help With Teenage Depression

Buprenorphine hydrochloride or levo-alpha acetyl methadol and Methadone come in the category of non-sedating variety taking the form of non-intoxicating opiates that can take care of opiate dependence by nipping in the bud withdrawal symptoms from opiates like heroin.  There is a medicine called Naltrexone that stops the effects of opiates and is quite useful in overdose opiate problems and is used as a long-term treatment procedure.

For nicotine addiction treatment, the medications that are used are smoke cessation medicines like Chantix and patches, gums and nasal sprays.  An effective antidepressant like Buproprion is also used to decrease patient cravings for nicotine.  There are personalized treatments as well for drug addiction among teens. Relapse prevention makes use of methods that can make alterations to behavioral problems that arise due to getting the pangs in the body to take drugs again.

 When it comes to individualized drug counseling as a part of the teen treatment center program, the counselor has a heart-to-heart chat with the patient, talks about short term behavioral goals which can put an end to the person’s drug usage.   The programs can include 12 step programs like Narcotics Anonymous, drug testing, cognitive therapy etc.  There is also a treatment methodology called the Stimulus Control which teaches the person to keep away from conditions and situations that can provoke substance abuse and replace these conditions with activities that are contrary to substance abuse. 

 There is the motivational enhancement therapy in place to motivate the teen to increase their determination level to be a part of the therapy.  Two types of controls: Urge Control and Social Control are the terms given to stop temptation to drugs individually as well taking the help of the family and close friends to stay away from addictive behavior.

 A crucial part of teen’s treatment for drugs is family intervention in a conducive manner.   They include multifamily educational intervention (MFE) and the multidimensional family therapy (MDFT). Out of these two, the second one has been found work in a better manner.  Substance abuse in teens has proved to be treated in the best manner when one addresses the problem through long-term residential treatment that ranges from three to five months which addresses things like educational tensions, family issues and peer problems.

 Youths who have been exposed to drugs but yet not tried them can benefit from preventative measures.  There has been enough number of facts to prove that a person, who is in an environment that breeds drug use, can also fall prey to these killers.  To stop this, teen treatment centers say that that they should be adequate parental control, supervision and close monitoring of what is happening around the life of the teen. This parental control need not be in the form of being strict and very rigid. The emphasis should be on educating the teen about the risk and health problems that arise out of teen drug addiction.  Even a brief amount of counseling can prove to be useful.

Post from: Teen Drugs

What to Expect at a Teen Drug Treatment Center

Alcohol abuse: Some of the common signs of alcohol abuse in teens include smell of alcohol on their breath or body, bloodshot eyes, erratic behavior, abusive demeanor, lying, stealing, mood swings, having things that are related to alcohol abuse like alcohol bottles etc, change in the group of friends that he has.
Tobacco addiction or smoking: The signs are discolored lips and stained teeth, frequent smell of tobacco from his breath, cigarette butts at various places in his room or paraphernalia like ash-tray.
Cannabinoids:  Signs of cannabinoid abuse includes sleepiness, increased appetite, lethargy, increased state of excitement or happiness, paranoia and reddish tine in the whites of eyes.
Inhalant addiction: Example of inhalant addiction among teens is visible in the form of confused mindset, irritability, smell of gasoline or other solvent in the body and runny nose
Depressants: Signs of addiction to depressants, according to a famous teen treatment program, is in the form of lowered inhibitions, slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, inability to sleep, dizziness and even going into the state of coma.
Cold medication: if a teenager is addicted to prescription drug addiction like cold medications for instance, Benadryl; the signs exhibited include anxiety, rapid or fluctuating heart-beats and inability to sleep.
Narcotics:  The symptoms of narcotic abuse include increased tolerance towards pain, overexcited behavior, lethargy, slowed heart beats etc.
Hallucinogens: Teens who are addicted to hallucinogens tend to have problems sleeping; their perceptions are blurred, they are not in touch with their emotional responses and they experience a sense of paranoia.
Dissociatives: Teens who are into abusing ‘dissociative anesthetics’ tend to experience high blood pressure, increased heart rate, loss of memory, aggressiveness, irritability and even vomiting
Club Drugs: Teens who take club drugs like Ecstasy tend to get increasingly intimate with people, experience euphoria, is not able to sweat and gives in easily to sexual overtures.
Anabolic steroids: Teens who consume anabolic steroids tend to get irritated easily, experience rapid growth in muscle, loss of scalp hair, increase in acne etc.

As we know, drug addiction can be so highly embedded in the body and mind of the victim that when there is a withdrawal, the physical symptoms tend to be just about the opposite of how a person feels when getting high on these.  Parents have to make sure that they are in close watch about the changing behavior of their teens once they are addicted to drugs. They should not hesitate to bring their kids to teen rehab centers where comprehensive treatment is given to break their addiction and lead a drug free life as quickly as possible.

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Post from: Teen Drugs

How to Tell if Your Teenager Needs Teen Drug Treatment

Because of this I decided to take a look at how drug addiction can lead to teen suicide.

Something that we don’t think of is the connection between teen drug abuse and suicide. There are some studies that would suggest that teens who use drugs regularly are more likely to consider suicide as well as to act upon their thoughts. According to the American Psychiatric Association, many teens suffer from depression.

When a teen is living in this world of depression it is not unlikely that they would find a means of “self-medicate” with drugs in order to avoid exposing themselves to their friends or adults. As we know through years of dealing with teens and their drug abuse that the use of drugs does not alleviate the problems, but instead, usually aggravate them, leaving the teen with a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. This places them at greater risk for suicide attempts.

From my own personal experience and watching the decisions that teens make while they are abusing drugs, we see that the use of drugs will cloud their judgment, and lower their natural survival instinct. Drug use affects the chemical balance of the brain, intensifying feelings of sadness, depression and loneliness. In an article I wrote on teen withdrawal we can see just having to deal with the withdrawal from the drug, and intense feelings of crashing profoundly affect the young person’s mind and mood. While these factors exist in adult addicts, they are more intensified in the young adult and teen, particularly due to his dependency upon adults.

Something we do not understand nor think of when it comes to the progression of usage of drugs among teenagers is that they have a readily supply of tools that could either help them commit suicide or even lead to an untimely death. Overdosing is one of the easiest and most common methods of suicide.

Did you know that suicide is the third leading cause of death amongst young people from the ages of fifteen to twenty-four.

The one thing we are noticing is that teens, especially today, are under a tremendous amount of pressure. Caught in the crossroads between childhood and adulthood, teens are filled with conflicts about themselves, their identity, and their place in the world. It is not uncommon for teens today battle between peer pressure and performance placed upon them from society and even at times parents to perform and do so perfectly all the time.

These factors, coupled with their perception that the adult world doesn’t or can’t, understand their angst, leave them vulnerable and isolated. These factors contribute to both addiction and suicidal intention, both of which also feed on the other.

I have been told that some of the methods for treating a teen with suicidal intentions are very similar to treating teens with addictions. Some have said that most of the root causes are quite similar. The most important thing for an adult to provide the teen, is an avenue of communication. I have an article “8 tips to get your teen hearing you again” that will help you communicate with your teen.

Something that we know to be true is that communication between a teen and their parents is vital to any type of recovery. Teens need to feel as though they have someone they can turn too and express their feelings and problems. He or she need to feel that they are not isolated. There are people who care about them. They are not the only one who is struggling with these problems. This of course is only the first step. If a teen is suicidal they need to receive professional guidance.

Here are some suicide facts you should be aware of:

A teen that has lost a friend to suicide is at higher risk for depression, delinquency and drug abuse. (Estimates by the American Association of Suicidology place this risk at three times that of the average teen.)
Studies reveal that a family member of a loved one who has committed suicide is at up to 5 times the risk for suicide themselves.
Suicide facts indicate that thousands of children and adolescents are affected by a suicide each year.
Emotional distress of child survivors of suicide may go unnoticed if they do not have a chance to share their pain.
We can all help in suicide prevention by learning about statistics, suicide rates and teen suicide.
There is no timetable for recovery, suicide survivors are forever changed by the tragedy.

Post from: Teen Drugs

Can Teen Drug Abuse Be Related To Teen Suicide?

Some may not even know that they are in a co-dependant relationship with their teenagers who are using drugs. For instance I’m the leader in a recovery program. When we were starting the recovery program a man approached me to let me know how he responded to the use of drugs with his own teenager.

He told me that he would make his home a safe environment for his teenager and their friends to come and hang out and get it out of their system. Keep in mind this was a leader in the local church and was telling me this as we were promoting a Celebrate Recovery program.

As I stated in the first series, co-dependency is actually a learned behavior. You can actually pass it down from one generation to another, constantly teaching those that you raise how to function and live in a co-dependant relationship. This man was teaching his son how to not only live in a co-dependant relationship but how to raise his own kids in a co-dependant relationship.

The first thing you need to do is ask yourself…am I living in denial?

I cannot tell you how many parents live in denial when it comes to their teenagers drug use. Even when they know it is going on they will slip into co-dependant relationships with their teenagers and allow them to continue on the path of destruction.

We do this in all kinds of ways, but the truth is that we are living in denial.
We make an excuse for our child no matter what.
We blame others for their behavior.
We change teachers at school because they don’t understand our child.
We blame Johnny down the street for my child/s actions.
We say it is only a joint or a drink but nothing serious.

Folks that is denial, you are living in denial to the fact that your child has a problem. If you are ever going to help your child you must first face and admit your denial. God says in Jeremiah 6:14 (TLB), “You can’t heal a wound by saying it’s not there!”

Hiding our feelings, living in denial, freezes our emotions and binds us. Understanding and feeling our feelings is where we find freedom. Second Peter 2:19 (GNB) tells us: “They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of destructive habits-for a man is a slave of anything that has conquered him.”

There is a saying, “we are as sick as our secrets.” We cannot help our teenagers who are abusing drugs grow until we are ready to step out of our denial into the truth. The Bible says, “They cried to the Lord in their troubles, and he rescued them! He led them from the darkness and shadow of death and snapped their chains” (Psalm 107:13-14, TLB).

We have the false belief that denial protects us from our pain. In reality, denial allows our pain to fester and grow and to turn into shame and guilt. Denial extends your hurt. It multiplies your problems. Truth, like surgery, may hurt for a while, but it cures. God promises us in Jeremiah 30:17 (TLB), “I will give you back your health again and heal your wounds.”

Question by scooooby: I need articles on teenage drug abuse?
I’m doing a project in school where I have to talk about the issues of drug abuse in teens. I have to find articles on the problems of addiction, social life, and health issues relating to the drug usage. It must be a minimum of 3 pages long (per article). Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by C J
Please look at this website www.settingcaptivesfree.com
There is help here. Free online courses on a number of issues.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you Free”
(John 8:32)

God bless.

Give your answer to this question below!

Post from: Teen Drugs

Christian Parenting Advice Co-Dependency With Teen Drug Abuse – Part Two

Alcohol addiction: Symptoms include intoxication, erratic or unstable mannerisms, abusive language being used, mood swings, bloodshot eyes,  foul odor that reeks of alcohol on the body and breath, presence of a different set of friends who tend to be brash with a carefree streak of mind, presence of alcohol bottles hidden in certain places, bottle caps, and behavioral traits like stealing and lying
Nicotine addiction. Discolored lips, pale face, dry skin, tobacco smell on the breath, presence of an ash-tray and cigarette butts and ash strewn at certain places in the room.
 Inhalant addiction: Confused demeanor, mood swings, runny nose and smell of gasoline and such substances in the body.Cannabinoids: Signs that are associated with Cannabinoid abuse include delirious mindset, fluctuating highs and lows in behavior: euphoria followed by episodes of lethargy, reddish hues in the eye, inability to sleep.
 Narcotics: The signs displayed by teens who are addicted to narcotic substances include overexcitement, slowed heart beats and higher tolerance towards pain
 Depressants: It has been observed by teen rehab programs that teens that are addicted to depressants have lowered inhibitions, lack of sleep, dizziness, low blood pressure and decreased heart-rate.
Hallucinogens: Teens who are addicted to hallucinogens have problems with their sleep, their vision tends to be blurred at times; they are paranoid and they are not able to be in sync with their emotions.
 Cold medications: Teens who are addicted to cold medications, an infamous form of prescription drug addition, tend to show signs that include inability to sleep, anxious behavior and rapid heartbeats.
 Dissociative Addiction: Those who abuse dissociative anesthetics suffer from increased heart rate, memory loss, aggressive behavior, mood swings, high blood pressure and even vomiting.
 Ecstasy: Teen treatment centers have seen that cases of those who are admitted to Ecstasy and such types of club drugs usually tend to be euphoric with an inability to sweat, memory loss, fluctuating heart beats and being overtly promiscuous.

All of these signs and symptoms that are typical of different types of teen substance abuse also have uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when these drugs are denied.  It is the responsibility of the elders to see to it that teens are not coerced or induced in substance abuse because not only cause various health complications but they can also result in crimes like  thefts, robbery, molestation, rapes and homicides.

The Progression of Chemical Use from Experimentation to Addiction:an understanding of the differences “drug abusers” enabling denial “drug testing” “Sacramento” “granite bay” “folsom” “fair oaks” “Carmichael” “adolescent” “substance abuse” “teen drug abuse” “adolescent drug use”

Post from: Teen Drugs

Teen Treatment Centers Discuss Substance Abuse Signs and Symptoms

These precautions are necessary to be taken in case of the anti depressants because these drugs have side effects and sometimes very dangerous repercussions on the consumer if consumed without medical confirmation. Even the pharmacies are not allowed to sell these depression drugs without a proper medical prescription. Nowadays however, a practice called “drug abuse” is rapidly gaining speed especially amongst the teenagers. Drug abuse is a very self suggestive term which means a particular drug is not taken the way it should have been ideally taken. In the face of drug abuse a considerable number of people are harmed and many even lose their lives.

Drug abuse of anti depressants like Xanax slowly but steadily develops into an addiction and addiction of any kind is dangerous to health. Thus when the consumption of drugs like Xanax becomes a need in the negative sense for a particular person it means that he or she takes the drug regularly and regular use of these drugs is not advisable.

Here, a matter to note is that why do people fall for these kinds of dangerous drug abuses. What do they gain from them? The answer is that these anti depressants have certain elements that induce sleep into the consumer. That is, these drugs have effects of tranquilizers. Hence people especially the teenagers take these drugs in order to have the feeling of trance, peace, and tranquility. But they forget that these feelings of elation are just temporary and in the long run, all these drugs can cause harm, harm, and more harm.

The anti depressants like Xanax are invented for the purpose of curing depression. They are meant to serve a certain purpose but when people buy xanax or take it in an undisciplined way these drugs bring in more damage than good. The worst part is that in the greed for money even the pharmacies sell these prescribed drugs without actual prescriptions making it easy for the teenagers to get hold of them. In fact today anyone can easily buy xanax online from xanax online stores. As a result there is a rapid rise in juvenile delinquency because the teens after their drug induced mood are hardly aware of what they are doing. These drug abuses are also giving impetus to the rise of sexually transmitted diseases.

Drug abuse is a practice that is very hard to keep a check on. Firstly because no matter how much awareness is spread, teens are still falling in its grip especially in the western countries. And secondly, in spite of all the laws and all the rules and regulations the pharmacies and sometimes even the doctors are involved in the illegal sale of these anti depressants. Hence it will take a lot of time and effort to completely clean the society of vices like drug abuse.

Post from: Teen Drugs

The Teen Brigade in the Drug Abuse Web!

 Apart from nicotine, tobacco and alcohol use which teens are known to ape watching elders and movies, there are other deadly assortment of drugs that are also being patronized by them.   The use of prescription drugs is quite high among this age-group.

Painkillers(opiods),  central nervous system depressants (drugs to reduce panic attacks), certain nervous system stimulants(drugs to treat sleeping disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) are being abused by teens, taken without the permission of the doctor, with a false sense of belief that they will feel fine. Regular intake of these medications can make the body reliant on these drugs and there can be very high withdrawal symptoms when a person stops taking them. Overdose can result in death as well.   Teenage prescription drug abuse is definitely, a clear and present danger among teens.

 When it comes to illicit drugs, there is no limit; teens are known to abuse as much as adults do according to teen treatment centers. Marijuana, prepared from Cannabis plant is commonly smoking by them; the insider term for the drug is ‘joint’ or ‘pipe’.  Stimulant drugs like cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine are also infamous among certain circles.  Heroin is also abuse by teens especially to reduce pain or make them ‘feel better’.  Depressants like benzodiazepines and barbiturates are used to feel sedated especially when they are feeling restless with too much on their minds.

 If you ever know about a druggie who is in a trance like mood and dissociated from things that are happening around him, you can be sure that he is taking Dissociatives like Ketamine and PCP. These are known to cause hallucinations and shut of certain signals to the conscious part of the mind.  These are known among insider circles are Vitamin K and Getting Wet among a few other names. The most popular, or should we say, infamous drug used by teens across the world in party circuits is Ecstacy (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine). This club drug is known to reduce anxiety and promote sexual promiscuity.  Most girls have become victims of date rape due to this drug.  

Drugs do nothing but harm and there can be a lot of complications in life, health-wise and even emotionally. Teenage is the phase of life when you should learn new things and become focused more than ever because you tend to absorb many things in this phase. Parents should make sure that they guide their children well and in case there is a sure-shot drug abuse problem, it is better to rehabilitate them by taking them to one of the best teen recovery centers around.  

Question by jessea41042: Ohio laws on teen curfew and teenage drug abuse?
I’m writing a report on teen curfew and teenage drug abuse for school and i am trying to find laws and consequences about the two. for teenage drug abuse i cannot find laws on the subject, just facts on how it is bad for you. can someone please help me

Best answer:

Answer by towwwdothello
Many of those policies are held at the local or county levels. Quite often, government offices do not find it necessary to post their laws or resources online, and some actually have a monopoly on the access to the public documents. Often public documents are not available.

It may be necessary to go to the library and talk to a librarian or make a few phone calls.

Depending where you are, you may be dealing with a corrupt system that may resort to obstruction related to these issues. If they are not assistive, don’t let them drive you crazy.

edit: the drug trade has organized protection.

It’s important to approach the research request with understanding that they are there to assist you–my post is written in the event you run into a few corrupt people in your research. good luck

What do you think? Answer below!
Ore. man swept out to sea by tsunami sought a new start
Leaving his teenage drug abuse behind in Oregon, Dustin Weber was seeking a new beginning along California’s northern coast. Yet before Weber could get a proper start, the 25-year-old was swept out to sea by a tsunami surge.
Read more on KOMO Seattle

Post from: Teen Drugs

A Deeper Look Into Teen Drug Abuse

Detoxification assumes a lot of importance when the doctors want to get rid of the harmful toxins in the body.  This is the first and the basic type of treatment.  For instance, if a teen is addicted to heroin, Methadone, levo-alpha acetyl methadol or Buprenorphine hydrochloride is taken to take care of withdrawal symptoms. There are specialized professionals who see to it that there is not too much discomfort for the teen during the detox process. 

There are medicines given to decrease cravings, for instance, Buproprion, an effective anti-depressant is administered to take care of nicotine cravings.  One important thing to keep in mind is to make sure that there is no room for relapse which is why appropriate medication and treatment is given.  A prominent part in any teen treatment program that can be used to strengthen the person’s resolve against teen addiction, is counseling. 

The counselor gets in touch with the person and has a heart-to-heart conversation where he tried to find out the root cause for a drug addiction.  Then short-term and long-term goals are created along with problem solving steps to beat the addiction.  Some of the programs used in the case include Narcotics Anonymous, Cognitive therapy, Stimulus Control which show how a person can stay away from triggers that can cause drug addiction and substitute with positive activities and feelings that are contradictory to drug abuse.

 Parents also can play a good role and be instruments of positive change, according to a teen treatment center at Florida.  Family Intervention Programs, as they are known, can be classified into multidimensional family therapy (MDFT) and MFE or multifamily educational intervention. Both are quite effective in their own way. There is also another form of therapy known as motivational enhancement therapy in that include two kinds of control: social control and urge control to keep away from succumbing to substance abuse temptation.

Teen rehab facilities stress on adequate monitoring by parents, adequate supervision and open flow of communication between parents and kids not just to prevent substance abuse but also to address any problem that a teenager faces. The parental control should not be rigid and overly critical.  The moot factor to note is here how the parent communicates with the child, by showing empathy to the teen and letting him or know about the hazardous effects of drug intake. A visit to a good teen rehab center will not only show how the teens can be treated of their addiction but also on how parents can interact with their children in the best manner.

Post from: Teen Drugs

What Type of Procedures to Expect at a Teen Treatment Center

Various rave parties that have been busted in US and many other places in the world have shown that the youth revels in taking these drugs.  It is actually a banned substance because it has been used largely for date rapes. There have been many cases of boys trying to spike drinks of girls with ecstasy in order to make her sexually promiscuous with them.

The drug has the potency to reach the brain in less than 18 minutes and the pleasurable feelings of mirth and ‘ecstasy’ lasts for nearly 6 hours.  Funny sensations, increased sensitivity, manipulated perceptions of people and time are some of the symptoms that are identifiable with ecstasy.  This is the reason why some people with ulterior motives, usually lust, tend to take advantage of gullible people by using this drug.  The other symptoms that have been reported include chills, dizziness and sweatiness.

The trauma of having indulged in sexual relations against her wish can harangue the girl no end and along with the feeling of guilt comes the deep seated depression and self-hatred. There have been cases of girls’ uteruses being damaged due to an overdose in certain cases.  In other cases, girls and boys get hooked to the drug big-time because their mind begins to attach pleasurable feelings to the drug.  These drugs are not just abused at rave parties but even at close-knit parties at home. Teens are blissfully ignorant that Ecstasy can cause a variety of health problems including liver damage, kidney problems, blood pressure and even cardiac arrest, leading to death.

Teenage treatment facilities have pointed out that 3 percent of teens have actually used this drug by the time they complete the eighth grade. This number can go up to 9 percent when the student finishes the tenth grade. Compared to people in their late teens, Ecstasy is abused more among people in their early teens and mid-teens.

 Very less people know that Ecstasy is a manufactured drug and the proportions of chemicals used in the mixture can differ.  Since most companies that manufacture them are of spurious nature, there is a high chance that these will contains a deadly mixture of poison and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances.  The drugs are marketed and sold in a packing with funky or cute appeal to attract gullible teens.

As parents and responsible adults, you have to make sure that teens do not fall pretty to these temptations.  You may do well discouraging children from going to such parties and nightclub; in case too much self-indulgence during teenage at places like night clubs is not advisable.  Some of the signs that are visible in people who are using Ecstasy include slurred speech, inability to focus or concentrate,  grinding teeth, clenching jaw movements and of course, dropping academic grades.  When the teen is too much into this addiction, it is better to take him or her to a adolescent treatment center.

Post from: Teen Drugs

What can be Expected From Ecstasy Abuse According to a Teen Treatment Center

 Here are some of the reasons for teen depression:

Over-expectations by parents to study and get good grades.
 Troubled relationship at home; fights at home between parents and the issue of one or both the parents having a drinking problem.
Peer pressure and the inability to fit into a particular peer group and being branded as a ‘loser’
 Health problems; perceptions of being too fat  or too thin, or too ugly
 Relationship problems: break-up, loss of friendship, death of a pet. Teens are affected three times more by these problems than adults.
 Lack of career guidance: Teens find themselves at sea when they feel that they are lacking in the right career guidance as compared to their friends.
Drug and Alcohol addiction: Teens who abuse nicotine, drugs and alcohol are pushed more into depression and the same depression makes them addicted.

So we see from the above factors that teens tend to have a higher degree of depression compared to adults.  Almost 95 percent of suicide victims in their teens have taken the fatal step due to a long-standing depression that was not addressed properly according to authorities. It is good that now we have teen rehab programs that have been successful in preventing such causalities.  It has also been found out that there is a co-relation between teens who are depressed and those who take drugs including prescription drugs and club drugs like Ecstasy.

 Parents need to take a careful but tolerant view of teen problems.  It is the duty of the concerned people to make sure that the teen is taken to a teen rehab center especially if it looks like that the teen seems to be perennially in some form of worry or anxiety. Some of the symptoms include mumbling, stammering and hesitating due to anxiety and tension, panic attacks, a tendency to withdraw into one’s own shell, continual breaking down etc.

 Teen addiction treatment facilities have a team of therapists, doctors and counselors who are able to distill the mind of the teen, clear the confusion in his or her mindset, flush the negative thoughts and make the individual realize his or her self-worth. They take constructive steps to see that the confidence and the determination factor is bolstered so that teens are able to chart their own course for success.

In this edition of Comcast Student Voices, seven teens speak out about their struggles with substance abuse and addiction and how they got help. Produced in association with Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Watch the FULL SHOW at www.metrobeat.tv.
Video Rating: 3 / 5

Post from: Teen Drugs

How to Help Teenage Depression With a Teen Treatment Center

Sudden, unfavorable changes in friends

Negative changes in schoolwork or truancy from school

Depression, withdrawal, or hostility; these may also be indicative of a mental health-related co-occuring disorder, which can also be addressed with the proper teen drug treatment program

Increasing secrecy about possessions and activities

Use of incense or other room deodorizers

Increased “coded” language with peers (beyond standard text message coding)

Excessively borrowing money or stealing

Drug paraphernalia (some teens may dismiss lighters or pipes as “keepsakes,” and nearly anything as a friends’ belonging)

Inhalant products, which includes many grooming and household chemical products

Eye drops, mouthwash, and other maskers

Of course, some adolescents may exhibit only a handful of these behaviors – but it’s important not to dismiss them if you strongly feel there is a problem. Also, bear in mind that any illicit drug use or teen alcohol use is unlawful, and your child should be reprimanded even if addiction is not yet an issue.

If you recognize any signs of substance abuse in your child, it’s best to find a reputable teen drug treatment program as soon as possible. Look for a rehabilitation facility that:

Incorporates traditional 12 step principles, as well as an experiential approach that addresses personal goals

Employs a faculty of licensed professionals specializing in substance abuse treatment, particularly teen drug treatment

Offers opportunities for family involvement, such as home communication and regular family workshops

Teen drug treatment is only successful when it leads to long-term sobriety; so, it also pays to inquire about the long-term success rate among program graduates of an adolescent drug rehab.

Post from: Teen Drugs

When to Seek Teen Drug Treatment: Signs to Look For

Teenagers usually prefer to listen to their peers than to adults. They are in that phase of life where they are gaining independence and rebelling against adults. They therefore go to their friends and people in their age group, rather than to adults for advice and companionship. Therefore, when teen campaign against vices are organized and implemented by teenagers, the impact is much better.

Many teenagers have watched loved ones die from lung cancer. They have lived through the sufferings of their loved ones. Such teenagers are very strong campaigners against tobacco companies. Teenagers can be very effective campaigners as they are filled with vigor and enthusiasm. Teenagers, as part of their teen campaign against vices, can serve on community groups which seek tougher regulations against tobacco manufacturers.

They can discuss more stringent norms with the legislators. They can conduct surveys to find out why teenagers smoke. Most teenagers want to act like adults. They feel grown up with a cigarette in their mouth. Still others do it as a sign of rebellion. The campaigners can channel this rebellion into positive action by roping such children into assisting with the campaign and rebelling against tobacco companies. teen campaign against vices should focus on the fact that kids too have the power and ability to fight against tobacco companies.

Teenagers with low self esteem and those who find it hard to cope with the harsh realities of the world take to drugs. It is an escape route for them. Teenagers campaigning against drugs can highlight the horrifying after effects – depression, panic attacks, irregular heartbeat, respiratory disorders and even death.

Teenagers could have drug related discussions, seminars and conferences with their peers and point out the ill effects. The advantages of a healthy life could be highlighted and drug addicts could be encouraged to take up a sport to keep them healthy, channel their energies, become more disciplined and increase self confidence levels. Campaigners could also use pamphlets, catchy slogans, and stickers etc to spread their message.

Another vice rampant among teenagers is teen sex. Teen campaign against vices like teen sex should emphasize the horrors caused by AIDS and HIV which are ruining the lives of many teenagers. Delaying the first intercourse, promoting sexual abstinence among teenagers, avoiding early parenthood, responsible sexual behavior, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases etc could be topics covered in the teen campaign against vices. Teenagers must be taught to control their wants and be responsible people. Campaigners could use the media to promote their teen campaign against vices.

Underage drinking causes six times more deaths than all the other illicit drugs. Teens fall prey to alcohol as it is easily available. Many studies show that adults whom teenagers know, like parents, friends’ parents, relatives etc provide them with alcohol. The campaign against alcohol should stress on the fact the underage drinking is illegal, irresponsible and unsafe. Campaigners could use lapel pins, public service announcements, print and audio visual advertisements to promote their teen campaign against vices.

Post from: Teen Drugs

Teen Campaign Against Vices ? an Initiative of the Parent and Child

The modern-age jet age pushes the teen down with a lot of new sets of tensions and anxieties. Yes, he is not yet in a corporate environment fighting for his promotion but there are lots of other concerns that can trigger teen substance abuse. For instance, the teenager has to deal with academic problems adding to the fact that there are a lot of expectations put on him by parents to get good grades in this hugely contested atmosphere. Parents take huge study loans and have stars in their eyes about their son and daughter’s academic pursuits while the children may have different aspirations altogether.

 There are relationship problems as well which can be quite upsetting to many teenagers when things do not go their way. There are different ways in which kids (and even adults) can converse with each other, telephone, , voice-chat, social networking sites. All of them serve as potential dating and flirting points of contacts. A teenager may become a victim of sexual abuse through any of these forms of media. There was a report a couple of years ago of a teen committing suicide because her ‘friend’ online was not reciprocating to her anymore; this considering the fact that she had never met her!

 There are health concerns among teenagers; there are many girls who pop in prescription pills for something as normal as getting some pounds more or menstrual discomfort, without even consulting doctors. Girls are known to go on a binge eating spree, where they eat everything and then rush to the loo to vomit it out due to feelings of guilt. Anorexia is also a serious psychological problem among teens.  This is a phase which is the foundation of health for an individual and teens with their myriad set of unhealthy perceptions ruin it. This is purely because today there is no guidance available to them and what is present is also in the form of media overkill. 

Teen treatment centers are attending to the rising number of alcohol and drug addictions. There have been a high number of cases of rave parties getting busted by the cops that are not just participated but even organized by teens.  Alcohol, heroin, cocaine and the party drug ‘ecstasy’ are known   flow freely in these circuits. All of these cases shout loudly pointing at one fact: parents and guardians are losing control over their kids and are not able to guide them clearly. The fact that they are either indifferent or exercise too much pressure on them do not make things easy at all.  At teen rehab centers, not only teens get fully treated off their addiction and problems but even parents are guided to be the part of a positive change.

Post from: Teen Drugs

How a Teen Treatment Center can Help Identify the Triggers of Teenage Substance Abuse

Dealing with a troubled teen is an enormous challenge for both parents and teachers. Public schools, hard pressed to meet the academic needs of normal students, are often not equipped to meet the emotional demands of the problem student. Many parents consider boarding school or military academy just to get their child back into a classroom, but even in those closed and structured environments many troubled teens will continue to struggle.

What’s a parent to do? Many start by seeking advice from other parents who have dealt or are dealing with a troubled teen. Hearing about a program first-hand from someone who’s been in your shoes can save you valuable time, money and frustration when it comes to helping your own child.

Other parents outreach to independent educational consultants who handle special needs clients. These professionals, many of whom are former educators and guidance counselors, can identify and help you select a suitable school or program for your teen. Depending on the teen’s specific problems, recommendations might include emotional growth schools, therapeutic boarding schools, home-based residential programs, therapeutic wilderness programs, or residential treatment centers.

If the choices seem bewildering, it’s because there are many valid approaches today for treating troubled teens. Currently several hundred programs exist, serving 10,000 to 20,000 students annually. Pulitzer Prize-winning writer David L. Marcus looked at one such program in his recent book, What It Takes to Pull Me Through: Why Teenagers Get in Trouble and How Four of Them Got Out. His study of the complex world of troubled teenagers was conducted at the Academy at Swift River, an emotional growth school in western Massachusetts. The success of his book is indicative of the growing interest in and demand for programs to serve a growing segment of America’s twenty-nine million adolescents.

Nor has the phenomenon been lost on the media. ABC’s reality series Brat Camp shows the choices faced by nine families dealing with out-of-control teenagers with problems like ADHD, drug addiction, promiscuity and fighting. Each chooses to send their teen to SageWalk, a wilderness school in rural Oregon, hoping that after the 50-day program is over they’ll get back the children they once knew.

With attention like this, industry critics have emerged as well. Some charge program operators of profiteering by promising miracles to desperate parents, but many more cite the overall lack of federal regulations and the patchwork of state regulations that govern the behavioral health care industry. Right now, therapeutic and emotional growth schools are regulated like ordinary boarding schools. Except for residential treatment centers, there are no regulations requiring specific educational or professional credentials for program operators. There is also no uniform set of national, government-endorsed standards by which parents can judge a program’s effectiveness.

Fortunately, high and rigorously enforced standards are in place for these schools and programs—standards imposed by the industry itself.

NATSAP

In 1999, concerned about the industry’s lack of uniform ethical and practice guidelines to protect at-risk teens and families in crises, The Family Foundation School joined six other programs and a small group of individuals to form the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP). Today, with more than 170 members, NATSAP serves as an advocate and resource for innovative organizations that devote themselves to the effective care and education of struggling young people and their families. Envisioning “a nation of healthy children,” NATSAP has become the voice that inspires, nurtures and validates its member schools and programs.

Parents and others concerned about the efficacy and integrity of therapeutic programs in an otherwise unregulated industry can turn to NATSAP for guidance. The association serves as an unofficial watchdog, calling attention to substandard and predatory programs that can injure participants emotionally, psychologically, physically and financially. While the vast majority of therapeutic schools and programs provide treatment rooted in sound clinical practice and concern for the growth and well-being of the young people they serve, there are operations that lack respect and sensitivity to individual needs, that rely solely on internal feedback and consequently fail to learn, improve or grow.

NATSAP has established benchmarks first and foremost for treatment and behavioral practices that reduce risk, promote safety, and demand continuous program improvements. The organization provides members with the latest research on treating troubled teens and tested methods for helping families in crises. It has also established admissions guidelines that protect parents from false advertising and misleading claims of services. Most important, it has established and enforces ethics and practice standards for its members, and adds to these standards regularly.

We want to make it clear that NATSAP is not an accrediting or licensing body, but an independent, voluntary organization. It does not provide placement services. However, it is an indispensable resource and a good first stop for parents pursuing a placement for their child in any program. By choosing a NATSAP member, you can be sure you’re dealing with an organization that is serious about how you are served, who values ethical integrity, who recognizes how vulnerable a family is when making the difficult decision to place a child outside the home, and whose primary goal is the education, growth and well-being of your troubled teen.

The Right Match

Each adolescent at risk has specific needs that must be determined in detail before he or she can be successfully placed in a therapeutic school or program. As a parent, you can make sure the ultimate match is the correct one by arranging for whatever academic and psychological tests may be necessary, and by using multiple informational sources before making your final decision. The industry offers a wide and growing array of program types, lengths of stay, and services to meet the needs of a variety of troubled young people—which is a good reason to review your choices with the help of an educational consultant. As we mentioned above, these independent professionals know the industry inside out and will work with you and your child to find the best possible placement. (To locate a consultant near you, visit Independent Educational Consultants Association website). Whether you decide to work with a consultant, with referrals from other parents, or to strike out on your own, you owe it to yourself and your child to find out as much as possible about this segment of the educational field, and the journey on which you’re about to embark.

The good news is that all the information you could possibly want—and then some—is as close as your computer. Since an Internet search of “trouble teens” will yield millions of hits, you should probably begin by checking out the websites of schools or programs you’ve heard of, or have been referred to (they all have websites). Or start with NATSAP, or another online directory of schools and programs for troubled teens. One we recommend is http://strugglingteens.com. Developed by the highly respected industry newsletter Woodbury Reports, this website provides a wealth of news, information, and research findings pertaining to teens at risk. Here you can find valuable insights into the industry and of particular help is the coverage of new schools and programs, and of what works in this industry and what doesn’t.

Other organization websites worth visiting are the American Psychological Association,National Association of Social Workers, National Board for Certified Counselors, and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

It’s been said that the primary job of youth is to get an education. When troubled teens fall down on the job, it is up to us as parents, counselors and educators to make sure they’re given a hand up and a way back to the classroom. For this we need a strong network of therapeutic schools and programs.

Post from: Teen Drugs

What’s a Parent to Do? Educating your Troubled Teen

Interestingly, there are differences between teen depression and adult depression, which makes it a bit more difficult to tell when a teen is depressed.

Irritable or angry: this quite often is the most common result of depression and might play out as being grumpy, hostile, easily frustrated or experiencing frequent outbursts of anger.

Vague aches and pains: headaches, stomach aches and other such complaints that do not seem to have a physical or medical cause can indicate that your teen is depressed.

Sensitive to criticism: While some sensitivity to criticism can be normal, a teen who appears overly upset is likely suffering from depression. Depressed teens often have low self esteem and self worth, making them more sensitive to rejection and failure.

Withdrawal from friends: Teens are likely to maintain some friendships while staying actively involved with others when they are depressed. Adults, on the other hand, tend to withdraw completely from family, friends and acquaintances. One sign to watch is when your teen drops old friendships and starts up with an entirely new crowd, especially if the crowd has different views than your teen.

It is crucial that teen depression be treated early to prevent serious and perhaps permanent problems. Left untreated, depression can lead to these 10 outcomes.

1. Low self esteem, triggered by feelings of worthlessness, failure, and inferiority.

2. Eating disorders including bulimia, anorexia and binge eating.

3. Problems at school resulting from low energy and difficulty concentrating. Watch for low grades, poor attendance, and lack of patience to complete schoolwork.

4. Running away is one cry for help by teens who are depressed.

5. Substance abuse (alcohol and drugs)

6. Self injury including various kinds of self-mutilation such as burning, cutting, hair pulling are sure signs of depression.

7. Other addictions including computer games and Internet surfing as an escape mechanism.

8. Violence becomes predominant in some depressed teens, which is based in self-hatred and hatred of others that can lead to homicide.

9. Dangerous or reckless behavior covers such things as binge drinking, unsafe sex, reckless driving and other careless behaviors.

10. Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts are exceptional cries for help. Depressed teens who think of suicide will make death-related comments and talk of killing themselves. It is imperative to get immediate help for any teen or talks of suicide or death wishes.

Post from: Teen Drugs

10 Negative Effects of Teen Depression

Self-harm is difficult to imagine, but some teens who are have depression or anxiety disorder use it as a way to release painful emotions.

If your teen is injuring herself, it’s imperative that you seek help. Here is some background on self-injury.

It mostly affects women between the ages of 13 and 30, but men are also likely to react this way to painful depression and anxiety. They will use any object they can find to inflict pain on themselves. This includes cutting with razors, scissors, broken glass, pieces of sharp metal, needles or whatever else they can find.

A sure sign that your teen is injuring herself is any repeated cuts on her arms, legs, hands, wrists and elsewhere. Some injuries are minor and heal quickly, while others can be severe enough to cause permanent scarring and possibly require medical treatment.

While the majority of people who self-harm are not suicidal, there are some who are, so this should not be ruled out.

The big question is why do they take such drastic action against themselves?

Disruptive family life, trauma and sexual abuse are some of the more common reasons why teens self-harm. It is their way of relieving the anger and inner turmoil that results from these disruptions. While it might appear to be a method to gain attention, cutting is actually something that teens do in private, away from view.

In fact, unless you happen to see your teen with her arms or legs exposed, chances are you will never know that she has injured herself repeatedly.

Any negative emotions can trigger the self-harm, which makes it that much more difficult to pin down. One such emotion is the idea that she needs to punish herself for guilt that she feels. Other possible causes include bipolar disorder, obsessive thinking, eating disorders, and aggressive behavior.

Cutting offers a distraction from the real pain that’s going on inside her. Emotional pain can be much more unbearable than a few cuts.  In fact, cutting provides a sense of relief, although temporary.

Resolving the self harm means getting to the root of the problem that is causing the emotional pain. If the teen has suffered sexual abuse or is having difficulty coping with chaos in the family, these issues must be addressed by a doctor or other medical professional.

If your teen is experiencing unbearable anxiety, which can come from any number of sources including school and peer pressure, this too must be treated to prevent more serious problems arising in the future.

Cutting is a sure sign that your teen has not learned how to deal with various life experiences and the stress they bring. It is important for your teen to learn good coping skills so that this problem does not repeat itself.

What you can do

Teaching your teen alternative ways of coping is imperative because once she starts cutting, it becomes almost addictive and extremely difficult for her to break the habit.

Seek professional help as soon as you realize there is a problem. Find someone who will help her to establish a more positive attitude about herself and her options. Do whatever you can to help build her confidence and self esteem. Offer your support. Open the door for non-judgmental communication where she can share her concerns. Talk therapy is an extremely beneficial coping mechanism.

It’s important to stay positive about the healing process. Some teens will recover quickly, while others will take longer. Although you might not see results on the outside, you can be sure something good is happening on the inside.

Post from: Teen Drugs

Did You Know That Teen Depression Can Lead to Self-harm and Mutilation?

Like talking about sex, having a conversation with your teen about drugs and alcohol can be, well, a bit uncomfortable. Sure, you may hear about how you should talk to your children about illegal substances whenever you get the opportunity – but having the conversation itself can be so awkward that many parents choose not to do it, not to mention that many parents feel too uneducated about booze and drugs to even talk about it! In fact, a recent study conducted by Action on Addiction in the United Kingdom found that over 40% of adults choose not to have these necessary conversations with their children and teenagers, but rather leave it up to the schools. If this sounds familiar, then take note: children and teenagers often want to hear about drugs and alcohol from the mouths of their own parents rather than their health class teacher.

But how exactly do you got about having this conversation without appearing uneducated – or worse – hypocritical? Here’s what you need to know in order to best educate your kids about the dangers of drugs and underage drinking as effectively as possible.

Give Them Warnings That Are Tangible. it’s no secret that most tweens and teens think that they’re invincible. If you warn your child that drinking and doing drugs will kill them – even though your teen is surrounded by people who have not died from alcohol or certain drugs – they won’t get as scared as you’d like them to. However, if you tell your child that drinking and doing drugs can cost them thousands of dollars a year – not to mention make them smell horrible – and you’ll see a change in their behavior quickly!

Try To Relate To Your Teen. Tweens and teens have an uncanny ability to see straight through any fibs; therefore, if you are staunchly against drinking and drugs, even though you may have experimented yourself as a teen, you’ll just end up confusing your child. Be honest with your child – if you did drugs as a teen, tell them why you did it, and why you chose to stop it. Your teen will appreciate your honesty, as opposed to labeling you as a “hypocrite”.

Find Out Who His Or Her Friends Are. When it comes to raising teens, knowledge is half the battle – that’s why you should make the effort to become familiar with you teenager’s friends. You don’t have to know everything about them; rather, you want to do so in order to determine if they’re positive influences on your teen. It won’t take long for you to get a feel for your teen’s friends’ personalities – if someone rubs you the wrong way, try to limit how much time your teen spends with him or her.

Be Supportive. If you’ve discovered that your child drank at a party or took drugs, your first reaction may be to punish them. While discipline is completely necessary, it’s important for your teen to know that you’ll love them no matter what – this will teach your child that it’s okay to approach you about their upsetting behavior rather than keep it secret.

Above all, accept the fact that you won’t be around to monitor your child’s activities for every hour of every day – no matter how tempted you may be! Instead, trust that you instilled proper values within your children that will help them to make the right decisions when it counts, therefore setting them up for future success long into adulthood.

Post from: Teen Drugs

Here’s Why You Need to Talk to Your Teen About Drugs Now

The sleepover at Mary’s house seems perfectly innocent. Your daughter and her friend get good grades in school. They haven’t given you any real reason not to trust them. They are good kids. You’ve had the “choices equal consequences” talk with your daughter. And you have to trust your teen sometime, right? You have to let go.

You are trying to be reasonable.

For many parents, this is where the conflict begins. It’s difficult to decide when to hold back and when to let go. But you can’t let your guard down, because teenagers are vulnerable to temptation and peer pressure every day. What happens when…?

Mary’s parents are busy fulfilling their social and community obligations and aren’t paying attention to what your daughter and Mary are doing. They aren’t home, or they have friends visiting, or they are just weary from work, and their guard is down. Or perhaps they wear rose-colored glasses when it comes to Mary and believe that close supervision of the girls isn’t necessary because she would never betray their trust.

The teens head out to a party at John’s house. Maybe they said they were going to the movies, bowling, or just to hang out with John. John’s dad is a “cool” parent. He understands teenagers, likes to have people around and wants to know what goes on with his kids. John’s dad is an involved parent. He is teaching his son to be responsible. He wants John to drink in moderation and to be a responsible drinker. He reasons that John is going to drink alcohol anyway, so why not teach him how to do it responsibly?

So John’s dad buys beer for the party. Not too much, and he sets limits, cautioning John that each teen should have no more than two beers. He stays home to monitor the situation. Everything seems to be going just fine.

But John’s father didn’t consider the following:

Early alcohol use, independent of other risk factors, strongly predicts the development of alcohol dependence.
Of all people who ever meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence in their lifetime, nearly half do so by age 21 and two-thirds by age 25.
People who reported starting to drink before the age of 15 were four times more likely to also report meeting the criteria for alcohol dependence at some point in their lives (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2009).
Compared to youth who wait until they are 21, youth who drink before age 15 are 12 times more likely to be unintentionally injured while under the influence of alcohol, seven times more likely to be in a motor vehicle crash after drinking, and 10 times more likely to get in a physical fight after drinking (National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2004).
Due to differences between the adult brain and the brain of the maturing adolescent, many young drinkers:

Are able to consume much larger amounts of alcohol than adults before experiencing the negative consequences of drinking, such as drowsiness, lack of coordination, and withdrawal/hangover effects.
Are particularly sensitive to the positive effects of drinking, such as feeling more at ease in social situations; young people may drink more than adults because of these positive social experiences (NIAAA, 2009).
Recent evidence suggests adolescent drinking can inflict permanent damage on the developing brain (National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2004).

These statistics do not take into account the risk that John’s dad is taking; in many states, he can be held criminally liable for providing alcohol to minors on property he owns, leases, or otherwise controls. Civil liability is always an issue; no state makes it legal for an adult to serve alcohol to someone else’s children. But if you aren’t vigilant, a tragedy could occur before you are even aware of the danger your child faces.

Strengthen your resolve. Be your teen’s parent, not a friend. Make sure your teen understands that other adults can’t give them permission to drink alcohol. You’ve already said no, and no one else’s parent can overrule you.

Talk to, and listen to, your teen. Maintain an ongoing, open dialogue about underage drinking and the risks involved. Create a code word so that if your teen needs to be picked up early, you’ll do so with no questions asked until the following day, when you are both calm enough to discuss the situation sensibly. Let your teen know that you will not approve any outing without sufficient notice so you can speak to the hosting parent first.

When your teen spends the night at a friend’s house or goes to a party, call the hosting parent to find out the details. Volunteer to chaperone and provide transportation. Make sure the hosting parent shares your concerns about the availability of alcohol and that none will be permitted. Ask how much supervision will be provided.

Limit the amount of time your teen is away from home. Make sure you are awake and alert when the teen returns. Greet your teen with a kiss and a hug so you can observe your child’s physical, mental, and emotional condition.

It’s tempting for parents to relax their vigilance once their children become teenagers. After all, the teens will soon be on their own and beyond their parents’ control. But the teen years are a critical part of your children’s development, and the decisions they make could affect the rest of their lives. This is not the time to let down your guard.

Read more tips for parents and teens at Safe Teen Driving Blog.

Post from: Teen Drugs

Alcohol Access and Your Teen – Trust but Verify

It is important for any parent to remember that a teen will become annoyed with any excess fat they see on their bodies and will irritate them.

For many teens who are suffering from weight problems these can be dealt with by a nutritionist. What a nutritionist does is trace the health and medical records of the teen in question and studies a profile of what their eating habits are like. These professionals will provide problematic teenagers with valuable advice in order that they can fight any weight increase.

But let us first define what over weight means. Over weight means where someone has an excessive amount of weight that is above what they normally should weigh. One of the main reasons why a teen may become over weight is because they addicted to food. Unfortunately consuming too much food not only often results in a person becoming over weight but in the worst cases they become obese. Unfortunately teens as they are still growing have very disturbing eating habits and some of them may consume too much food by may be in denial regarding their real physical appearance.

Whilst professional health advisors can suggest that parents encourage their teens to undergo some weight loss training program as well as supervising their water in take. They must also encourage their teens to remove milk products, carbonated drinks, junk, oil and fatty foods from their diets completely.

Many teen weight loss programs include a diet that incorporates foods which are rich in fiber, raw vegetables and fresh fruit. It is very important that any teen who is in a monitored teen weight loss program does not compromise their lose of nutrients which their body needs. It is important that any teen taking part in a weight loss program does not need to starve themselves but it is just a matter of controlling what they eat without taking away the nutrients that their body needs.

In future rather than your teen snacking on crackers and soda they can substitute them for more healthier and nutritional snacks instead. Why not try and get them to have some cherry tomatoes, yoghurt, less fat pudding or frozen grapes instead. Remember providing your teen with a balanced diet and adequate exercise will help them to lose those unwanted pounds and is much more effective.

However be warned that teen weight loss will mean nothing if your teen lacks self discipline and self motivation. So provide them with as much help as you can.

Post from: Teen Drugs

How To Help Your Teen Lose Weight Safely

According to a recent report by the National Institute of Health (NIH), anxiety is a psychological risk factor associated with heavy or problem drinking among teenagers.

Along with anxiety and other psychological factors, the NIH report suggests that an impulsive personality and a family history of alcohol abuse may be additional risk factors for problem drinking.

People with social anxiety, both teenagers and adults alike, can benefit from these findings by taking action to eliminate risk factors for alcohol abuse and address their anxiety. Social anxiety is the most common type of anxiety disorder, affecting 15% of all Americans. Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is diagnosed as overwhelming anxiety, fear, and self-consciousness in everyday social situations.

It triggers a host of physical symptoms, anxious thoughts, and avoidance behaviors. Often involved is a strong feeling of anxiety that others are looking at or judging them. The stress from this anxiety is often most pronounced during teen years and is often negated by alcohol abuse.

What You Can Do As A Parent?

Ask your teen why he or she drinks. Is it to help alleviate social fears and anxieties? To fit in, and not be judged? If so, explain to them the reality of the situation. They may be using alcohol in a vain attempt to cope with the root cause: social anxiety.

Drinking large amounts of alcohol may mask the problem for a few brief hours. However, once the mask comes off, the anxiety returns as strong as ever. Teen alcohol abuse does not cure social anxiety.

In fact, instead of curing one problem, teen alcohol abuse creates another. Instead of one problem to overcome, there are now two problems, social anxiety AND alcohol abuse.

Here are several ways you can empower your teenager to address the root causes of social anxiety, instead of masking the problem with heavy drinking.

1. Change their expectations about what alcohol can do for their stress level. National Institute of Health research indicates that when a teen EXPECTS that alcohol will relieve stress and lead to higher levels of social acceptance, it leads to increased drinking.

Problem drinkers tend to believe these two thoughts. In fact, there is much debate as to whether this assumption is actually true.

While some studies suggest that low levels of alcohol temporarily reduce the stress response (also known as the fight or flight response), other studies now indicate that alcohol actually INDUCES the stress response by stimulating the release of stress hormones such as corticosterone and adrenaline.

2. Encourage them to build a social support system. Many teens rely on drinking for social support. Instead of using drinking to connect with others, seek social support outside of the drinking environment. This is easier said than done, since it is a catch-22: the social anxiety is what hinders these types of connections in the first place.

Remember, the longest journey is accomplished one step at a time. Start with safe people like a trusted family member, a best friend, counselor, or pastor, and build from there.

Some colleges offer group therapy for people with social anxiety, which gives your teen an opportunity to learn how to overcome her fears in a safe environment with people who understand what she is going through.

3. Encourage your teen to increase his sense of control over social anxiety by learning anxiety reduction techniques. Nutritional strategies for reducing anxiety, deep breathing, guided imagery, and cognitive-behavioral strategies are just a few examples of anxiety reduction techniques that can bring about positive results.

Anxiety reduction techniques can be highly effective tools in helping conquer anxiety. For example, NIH findings indicate that cognitive-behavioral therapy can be as effective as medication in treating anxiety, and even more effective than medication at preventing long-term recurrence of anxiety.

Teen alcohol abuse will likely never be totally eradicated as long as there are both teens and alcohol. By far, the largest factor in preventing teen alcohol abuse is active, positive involvement by the parents in the lives of the teenager.

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Preventing Teen Alcohol Abuse

Teens also have unreasonable expectations, especially if they are used to getting what they want when they want it. If this does not happen, or they realize that things are not always within their control – they get angry.

Their anger can take many forms – some teens might repress their anger and withdraw, while others get defiant, destructive or turn to alcohol and drugs.

Various situations can bring out feelings of anger. Parents are often caught by surprise and react by either yelling or arguing back, or punishing their teen for showing their anger.

Instead, parents need to see this show of anger or rage as a signal that their teen is battling with or facing a situation they cannot handle on their own, or is overwhelmed by the demands of his or her daily live.

Fortunately parents have many options to help their teens through their frustration and cope with everyday pressure:
•    Ask your teen what unresolved conflict he or she is facing
•    Listen to your teen
•    Focus on his or her feelings
•    Understand the situation from your teen’s perspective
•    Help your teen work towards a solution
•    Show your teenager that you care
Unresolved issues can escalate to physical violence, addictions, and psychosomatic disorders. This can devastate your teens life by destroying relationships, clouding effective thinking, and ruining his or her future. Seek professional help for your teen, yourself, and or your family if necessary.

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How to Help Your Angry Teen

Some parents do provide teens with alcohol, or simply look the other way when their teens drink, espousing a “kids will be kids” attitude. They think there is nothing they can do to stop the teen from drinking. They fear their teen’s reaction to a strict prohibition against drinking. They want to be their teen’s friend because they want to keep the lines of communication open.

Some parents think that if the teen only drinks alcohol in their own home, the parents will be in control of the amount consumed. They think they can keep watch over their teen to make sure that nothing bad happens while the teen is intoxicated. They reason that at least this way, their teen isn’t driving drunk or riding with another drunk teen. They rationalize that if they let the teen’s friends sleep over, everyone will be safe.

But these parents aren’t taking many facts into account that refute the notion that parents should allow underage children to drink:

Teenagers are not physically, mentally or emotionally ready to be under the influence. Even one alcoholic drink is too much for their developing bodies and brains.

For every year under the age of 21 a teenager begins drinking alcohol, they are five times more likely to battle a lifetime of alcohol abuse and dependence (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2005)
Adolescent use of alcohol increases the risk of dependence because teens’ brains are not fully developed. The prefrontal cortex, which we use to assess situations, help us use good judgment, and keep our emotions and desires under control, does not develop completely until we are in our early 20s (NIDA, 2007)
Teenagers may look mature, but their bodies are still developing. They require a lower level of consumption of alcohol to obtain a rapid “high,” which means their judgment is affected almost immediately, but they also have increased levels of alcohol tolerance, making it easy for them to overindulge.
Teenagers are emotionally immature. They are still learning about themselves, relationships, and what direction they should take in life. Because even a small amount of alcohol reduces inhibitions and impairs judgment, they may react emotionally while under the influence without considering the consequences of their behavior.

The use of alcohol by teens increases the risk of activities that may result in serious long-term consequences, including:

Use of other drugs (alcohol is a gateway drug because its use compromises judgment and reduces inhibitions)
Driving under the influence
Alcohol poisoning from binge drinking (teens often binge drink to relax and may participate in drinking games that result in ingestion of large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time) Increased sexual activity and multiple sexual partners due to lowered inhibitions, which increases the risk of pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted diseases
Exacerbation of underlying, perhaps undiagnosed, mental illness
Violence and rape (whether the victim is under the influence or not)
Suicide

Parental accountability for social hosting is on the rise. Twenty-four states have enacted social hosting laws to hold adults criminally responsible for providing alcohol to minors. No state makes it legal for an adult to provide alcohol to other people’s children. Civil suits can result in the loss of many or all of a person’s assets — whether they knew alcohol was being served in the home or not. Turning a blind eye is not an excuse.

When you host a gathering for your teen, you must tighten your resolve. Avoid being a friend and focus on your role as the parent. The following tips will help you through the process:

Set expectations with your teen ahead of time. Make sure your teen knows that you will not allow alcohol (or other drugs) at the party and that this is communicated to all guests. Ask your teen to tell you about any concerns she or he has about any of the guests or any situations that could occur. Make your neighbors aware of the party and enlist their help in monitoring the area.
Make a guest list with your teen. Limit the number of teens so you can be sure of adequate chaperonage. Be sure you have contact information on each teen’s parent. Make sure guests and their parents understand that if a teen leaves the party, she or he won’t be allowed to return and parents will be called. Make sure parents who won’t be chaperoning know the start and end times of the party and will prearrange transportation.
Limit guest access to certain areas of the house and property. Lock up all valuables, breakables, alcohol and weapons. Plan activities to occupy the guests. Provide plenty of snacks, soda and water. Set an example by not providing alcohol for any adults who are present. Regularly move through the party unannounced and as inconspicuously as possible, checking any off-limit areas. Collect all keys so you can keep track of who is arriving and leaving. Keep coats and purses in an area that can be monitored. Speak to each person before they leave; check for warning signs of impairment.
If a guest arrives at the party already under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, keep them there while you call a parent to pick them up. If the guest leaves and someone is hurt or injured, you could be held responsible.

Visit our Teen Safe Driving Blog to read more about these issues and more to help improve your teenagers learning experience.  

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Alcohol Access And Your Teen: Is Your Teen Mature Enough To Drink?

Teen alcohol abuse in Louisiana is quite as worse as in any other state in America. In Louisiana the teenagers are not only addicted to alcohol but they are also into various other addictions, making the alcohol abuse problem more complicated. Because of these associated problems, the treatment centers for teen alcohol abuse in Louisiana are finding it tougher to deal with the issue.

There are many teen alcohol abuse centers in Louisiana but the number of teenagers taking treatment for them is considerably low. The various problems associated with teen alcohol abuse are listed below along with the proper solutions that the addiction centers are applying to overcome the problem.

1. The most troublesome problem is that of binary addiction. The meaning of binary addiction is, the teenagers are having some other addictive substance along with having alcohol. This way they are not only an alcohol addict but have other addictions too. This scenario is common in teen alcohol abuse in Louisiana.

Once the teenagers start consuming alcohol, in order to get more pleasure they start consuming it in greater quantities. To get more pleasure while having alcohol, they might also start having some other drug. Thus, their condition goes from bad to worse with this dual addiction.

To overcome this problem, the teen alcohol abuse center in Louisiana gives detox treatment as the first part of their treatment. The teenager will need to undergo detox treatment. In detox treatment the patient will have to stay away from any kind of addiction and their body will get cleaned and even the single drop of the addictive substance will be removed from their body. The detox treatment can take care of the binary conditions of the patient too.

2. Teenager start consuming alcohol due to many reasons. Some take it to relieve their stress and get away from the tensions of their life while others take it under peer pressure. In the early phase, the teenagers consume less alcohol but as the time passes they get addicted to it and cannot manage without consuming alcohol. Many teenagers have fallen into the pit of alcohol addiction unknowingly about what harm they can get by alcohol addiction.

The treatment centers in Louisiana, knows the way to tackle this problem goes through education. That’s why these centers try to educate the youth about the various aspects of alcohol abuse. The youth will be given proper guidance about what alcohol addiction is all about and what bad effects it causes in the body and mind of the alcohol addict.

The youth will also be given guidance on how they are playing with their future and their family’s future by giving into the demands of their peer group. The teenagers who are into alcohol addiction will be given counseling and after that they will need to undergo detox treatment to remove the alcohol that is already accumulated in their bodies.

3. Many teenagers think that their parents are too busy and they feel neglected. This is one more cause of teenagers getting into addiction. Parents are also unaware about the things that they can do in order to keep their children away from any kind of addiction. Many parents are themselves setting a wrong example before their children and their children’s are just following what they see their parent do.

That is why, the treatment center in Louisiana arranges parental counseling. Parents too need to know what they can do to keep their children away from addiction. The parents will be given guidance on how they can set a good example before their children. All the doubts that the parents may have can be solved in these counseling sessions. Most of the teen alcohol abuse center in Louisiana has three-day parental counseling session. In these sessions, the parents of these young patients get a chance to interact with each other and share their experiences.

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Various Problems Related With Teen Alcohol Abuse In Louisiana

Teen suicide is becoming more common every year in South America. In fact, only car accidents and homicides (murders) kill more people between the ages of 18 and 30, making suicide the third leading cause of death in teens and overall in youths ages 14 to 22 years old.

Thinking About Suicide It’s common for teens to think about death to some degree. Teens’ thinking capabilities have matured in a way that allows them to think more deeply – about their existence in the world, the meaning of life, and other profound questions and ideas. Unlike kids, teens realize that death is permanent. They may begin to consider spiritual or philosophical questions such as what happens after people die. To some, death, and even suicide, may seem poetic (consider Romeo and Juliet, for example). To others, death may seem frightening or be a source of worry. For many, death is mysterious and beyond our human experience and understanding.

Thinking about suicide goes beyond normal ideas teens may have about death and life. Wishing to be dead, thinking about suicide, or feeling helpless and hopeless about how to solve life’s problems are signs that a teen may be at risk – and in need of help and support. Beyond thoughts of suicide, actually making a plan or carrying out a suicide attempt is even more serious.

What makes some teens begin to think about suicide – and even worse, to plan or do something with the intention of ending their own lives? One of the biggest factors is depression. Suicide attempts are usually made when a person is seriously depressed or upset. A teen who is feeling suicidal may see no other way out of problems, no other escape from emotional pain, or no other way to communicate their desperate unhappiness.

The Link Between Depression and Suicide

The majority of suicide attempts and suicide deaths happen among teens with depression. Consider these statistics about teen suicide and teen depression: about 1% of all teens attempts suicide and about 1% of those suicide attempts results in death (that means about 1 in 10,000 teens dies from suicide). But for adolescents who have depressive illnesses, the rates of suicidal thinking and behavior are much higher. Most teens who have depression think about suicide, and between 15% and 30% of teens with serious depression who think about suicide go on to make a suicide attempt.

Keep in mind that most of the time for most teens depression is a passing mood. The sadness, loneliness, grief, and disappointment we all feel at times are normal reactions to some of the struggles of life. With the right support, some resilience, an inner belief that there will be a brighter day, and decent coping skills, most teens can get through the depressed mood that happens occasionally when life throws them a curve ball.

But sometimes depression doesn’t lift after a few hours or a few days. Instead it lasts, and it can seem too heavy to bear. When someone has a depressed or sad mood that is intense and lingers almost all day, almost every day for 2 weeks or more, it may be a sign that the person has developed major depression. Major depression, sometimes called clinical depression, is beyond a passing depressed mood – it is the term mental health professionals use for depression that has become an illness in need of treatment. Another form of serious depression is called bipolar disorder, which includes extreme low moods (major depression) as well as extreme high moods (these are called manic episodes).

Though children can experience depression, too, teens are much more vulnerable to major depression and bipolar illness. Hormones and sleep cycles, which both change dramatically during adolescence, have an effect on mood and may partly explain why teens (especially girls) are particularly prone to depression. Believe it or not, as many as 20% of all teens have had depression that’s this severe at some point. The good news is that depression is treatable – most teens get better with the right help.

It’s not hard to see why serious depression and suicide are connected. Serious depression (with both major depression and bipolar illness) involves a long-lasting sad mood that doesn’t let up, and a loss of pleasure in things you once enjoyed. It also involves thoughts about death, negative thoughts about oneself, a sense of worthlessness, a sense of hopelessness that things could get better, low energy, and noticeable changes in appetite or sleep.

Depression also distorts a person’s viewpoint, allowing them to focus only on their failures and disappointments and to exaggerate these negative things. Depressed thinking can convince someone there is nothing to live for. The loss of pleasure that is part of depression can seem like further evidence that there’s nothing good about the present. The hopelessness can make it seem like there will be nothing good in the future; helplessness can make it seem like there’s nothing you can do to change things for the better. And the low energy that is part of depression can make every problem (even small ones) seem like too much to handle.

When major depression lifts because a person gets the proper therapy or treatment, this distorted thinking is cleared and they can find pleasure, energy, and hope again. But while someone is seriously depressed, suicidal thinking is a real concern. When teens are depressed, they often don’t realize that the hopelessness they feel can be relieved and that hurt and despair can be healed.

What Else Puts Teens at Risk for Suicide?

In addition to depression, there are other emotional conditions that can put teens at greater risk for suicide – for example, girls and guys with conduct disorder are at higher risk. This may be partly because teens with conduct disorder have problems with aggression and may be more likely than other teens to act in aggressive or impulsive ways to hurt themselves when they are depressed or under great stress. The fact that many teens with conduct disorder also have depression may partly explain this, too. Having both serious depression and conduct disorder increases a teen’s risk for suicide.

Substance abuse problems also put teens at risk for suicidal thinking and behavior. Alcohol and some drugs have depressive effects on the brain. Misuse of these substances can bring on serious depression, especially in teens prone to depression because of their biology, family history, or other life stressors.

Besides depressive effects, alcohol and drugs alter a person’s judgement. They interfere with the ability to assess risk, make good choices, and think of solutions to problems. Many suicide attempts occur when a teen is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Teens with substance abuse problems often have serious depression or intense life stresses, too, further increasing their risk.

Life Stress and Suicidal Behavior

Let’s face it – being a teen is not easy for anyone. There are many new social, academic, and personal pressures. And for teens who have additional problems to deal with, life can feel even more difficult. Some teens have been physically or sexually abused, have witnessed one parent abusing another at home, or live with lots of arguing and conflict at home. Others witness violence in their neighborhoods. Many teens have parents who divorce, and others may have a parent with a drug or alcohol addiction.

Some teens are struggling with concerns about sexuality and relationships, wondering if their feelings and attractions are normal, if they will be loved and accepted, or if their changing bodies are developing normally. Others struggle with body image and eating problems, finding it impossible to reach a perfect ideal, and therefore having trouble feeling good about themselves. Some teens have learning problems or attention problems that make it hard for them to succeed in school. They may feel disappointed in themselves or feel they are a disappointment to others.

All these things can affect mood and cause some people to feel depressed or to turn to alcohol or drugs for a false sense of soothing. Without the necessary coping skills or support, these social stresses can increase the risk of serious depression and, therefore, of suicidal ideas and behavior. Teens who have had a recent loss or crisis or who had a family member who committed suicide may be especially vulnerable to suicidal thinking and behavior themselves.

Guns and Suicide Risk

Finally, having access to guns is extremely risky for any teen who has any of the other risk factors. Depression, anger, impulsivity, life stress, substance abuse, feelings of alienation or loneliness – all these factors can place a teen at major risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior. Availability of guns along with one or more of these risk factors is a deadly equation. Many teen lives could be saved by making sure those who are at risk don’t have access to guns.

Different Types of Suicidal Behaviors

Teen girls attempt suicide far more often (about nine times more often) than teen guys, but guys are about four times more likely to succeed when they try to kill themselves. This is because teen guys tend to use more deadly methods, like guns or hanging. Girls who try to hurt or kill themselves tend to use overdoses of medications or cutting. More than 60% of teen suicide deaths happen with a gun. But suicide deaths can and do occur with pills and other harmful substances and methods.

Sometimes a depressed person plans a suicide in advance. Many times, though, suicide attempts are not planned in advance, but happen impulsively, in a moment of feeling desperately upset. Sometimes a situation like a breakup, a big fight with a parent, an unintended pregnancy, being harmed by abuse or rape, being outed by someone else, or being victimized in any way can cause a teen to feel desperately upset. In situations such as these, teens may fear humiliation, rejection, social isolation, or some terrible consequence they think they can’t handle. If a terrible situation feels too overwhelming, a teen may feel that there is no way out of the bad feeling or the consequences of the situation. Suicide attempts can occur under conditions like this because, in desperation, some teens – at least for the moment – see no other way out and they impulsively act against themselves.

Sometimes teens who feel or act suicidal mean to die and sometimes they don’t. Sometimes a suicide attempt is a way to express the deep emotional pain they’re feeling in hopes that someone will get the message they are trying to communicate.

Even though a teen who makes a suicide attempt may not actually want or intend to die, it is impossible to know whether an overdose or other harmful action they may take will actually result in death or cause a serious and lasting illness that was never intended. Using a suicide attempt to get someone’s attention or love or to punish someone for hurt they’ve caused is never a good idea. People usually don’t really get the message, and it often backfires on the teen. It’s better to learn other ways to get what you need and deserve from people. There are always people who will value, respect, and love you – sure, sometimes it takes time to find them – but it is important to value, respect, and love yourself, too.

Unfortunately, teens who attempt suicide as an answer to problems tend to try it more than once. Though some depressed teens may first attempt suicide around age 13 or 14, suicide attempts are highest during middle adolescence. Then by about age 17 or 18, the rate of teen suicide attempts lowers dramatically. This may be because with maturity, teens have learned to tolerate sad or upset moods, have learned how to get support they need and deserve, and have developed better coping skills to deal with disappointment or other difficulties.

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Suicide Attempts Link Statistics About Teen Suicide and Teen Depression

To stay healthy, a teenager should avoid smoking any type of tobacco product. Another health advice is to avoid second hand cigarette smoke. A tobacco user teen is more likely to get heart disease, cancer or stroke in his/her adult age compared to nonuser. Avert alcohol and substance abuse. It usually starts with experimentation until the drug grabs hold of your mind and you become addicted.

Perhaps more common to teenage girls, a teen wants skinny body like ones she sees on the media. This perverted addiction to media leads to eating disorder, anorexia (intense fear of being fat) and bulimia (vomiting to abort the digestion of food ingested), which poses serious health problem among 1% of American teens; it can kill. If you have symptoms of anorexia and bulimia, don’t ignore it. Ask help from your parents or any authority you trust to help you quit this potentially deadly habit. Although support groups can help; however, kicking this deadly habit may require seeing a trained therapist.

Another teen health problem to watch is depression. It can be triggered by something as simple as not making the football team or the cheer leading squad. If you feel lazy, sad, and sometimes hopeless; or worse, if you feel suicidal, then you might be suffering from depression. This is a serious problem that you need to address immediately by talking to your parents or your guidance councilor. Talking to your peers about it may not be as good a solution because they may not know on how to handle depression, worse if they themselves are suffering depression too. Talk to your parents, teachers, or any authority you feel comfortable confiding with.

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a problem among sexually active teenagers. Some STDs such as Hepatitis can even be contracted by mere kissing. Teenagers already active in sex must visit their school nurse’s office and ask him/her the repercussions of sexual intercourse. If your parents are open to this discussion, you should talk to them about it too. Obtain brochures and pamphlets on safe sex to educate yourself everything you need to know about the health issues of sex. Teenage pregnancy, which in itself has emotional, social, and health ramifications, is a great possibility among sexually active teenagers.

Perhaps the best way to stay healthy and fit is to maintain a habit of good, well balanced diet, and exercise. Stay at bay from eating fatty foods and trans-fatty acids to avoid problems such as diabetes and obesity leading to heart problems. Joining sports and other outdoor activity is a fun way to exercise and to stay fit.

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Teen Health Advice to Stay Healthy and Fit

Before you make any quick decisions, you should discuss your options with your primary care or family physician. If you do not like what you hear, you can always get a second or third opinion. Sometimes, a prescription is a solution, but prescriptions can have side effects, so you want to be aware of all of them.

You can research any prescribed drug by entering the name of the drug, in a search engine, on the Internet. You will find details, forums, or lists of common, and not so common, side effects. You can also check with Web MD.

This is not meant to scare you, but to help you make an informed decision. There are times, when the local pharmacist knows more about the side effects of a prescription than anyone. So, it is worth your while to discuss the subject with him or her.

Prescribed medicine may also be addictive. In order to lower stress levels, CNS (central nervous system) depressants can be prescribed to slow the brain functions down. Some of these are very addictive, so this may be a temporary solution. Yet, prescription medicines are also life savers. Due to the quick results, prescription medicine may be your first choice.

In comparison, Yoga has no such side effects, but the positive results may take weeks or months to see. Depending upon the situation, Yoga may be used as an adjunctive therapy at first. Later on, Yoga may become the primary therapy for stress management.

Yoga has many uses, but establishing family bonds is a valuable part of the practice. What should you do if the family ties between a parent and child were not so strong to start with? Sometimes, a parent and teen are complete strangers to each other.

For example: What if the family became separated, went through a divorce, if the children were brought up by a day care system, or if one of the parents was so career-oriented that family ties were not a priority? It is never too late to re-establish family ties, but there is much repair to be done.

Yoga, and other non-competitive activities, give both parties a chance for joint participation, without an adult being portrayed as the controlling parent or teacher. Activities, which are non-competitive, such as Yoga, give both parent and teen some “breathing room.”

One point for estranged parents to be aware of is – it takes time and a long-term commitment to develop strong family ties. Joint participation, in Yoga classes, gives time to repair the relationship. At the same time, Yogic philosophy guides teens to develop many good health practices.

In Hatha Yoga classes, careful alignment of the spine is emphasized, muscles are strengthened, the body becomes balanced, flexibility is enhanced, and a sound mind is developed.

The value of a healthy spine is overlooked, by those who are lucky enough to take it for granted, but it is a crucial nervous center. The spinal maintenance aspect is a valuable habit to learn at a young age. Yoga practice helps to create some space between the vertebrae, thus extending the life of our spine, and helping us to stay pain free in our later years.

With all the emphasis on good health, and developing awareness, teens that practice Yoga are less likely to be pressured into substance abuse or “following the leader.”

As teens approach adulthood, some of the best gifts parents can bestow on them, beside love, are: Establishing good health habits, the ability to see things as they are, and the ability to think for themselves. Yoga prepares teens for all of their challenges.

Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Teaching Yoga for Teen Stress Management – What Parents Should Know

 Larry stayed alone with his grand-mother, his parents used to live in a different country. Since Larry had all the freedom do to what he wanted, he misused it by taking it to drugs. He had gone partying once and some of the people there asked him to try out a few drugs.  He loved it and soon became addicted to heroin. Larry had a drug peddler who promised him drugs if he would help him in selling them. So the boy neglected his medicine and started subtly selling drugs to some people around the night club. If he felt that he was short on cash, he would ask people on streets to give money by concocting some story.

 Larry was taken to a teen rehab center where he was treated with the best detox procedure; he was counseled well against drug addiction and soon it dawned on to him that he was actually destroying his education and his health in the process. Larry’s parents, who had flown all the way to make sure that the entire treatment process goes well, cooperated with the doctor. Soon in a matter of two months, Larry was fine, having benefited a lot from individual and group therapy.  He said that he would cooperate with the law and give all the information about places he knew where drugs proliferated. He also gave the name and address of the person who sold him drugs and asked him to supply it to other people at night clubs. Both the police, the authorities and even the rehab were deeply perturbed by this, the extent to which teen drug addiction was being spreading in the country was condemnable. 

 Nevertheless, Larry found a huge difference in his health after being treated in a teen rehabilitation center.  He is now an active college campaigner against teen drug abuse. He gives his example to teens and tells them to avoid taking drugs and alcohol at any cost.  He said that if it were not for his uncle and the teen rehab program that changed his life, he wouldn’t have been able to survive.  Just one person can make so much difference; it is high time teens gave up on drugs and start being high on positive things in life; after all, today’s teens are the future of this nation.

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A Teenager’s Personal Experience at a Teen Treatment Center