tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90789232164589634402024-03-13T05:03:24.969-07:00Sober TeensThe blog for teens, teen issues and hopeful solutions.D. Estitutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178587293043058717noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-49567071735605931362011-07-20T13:01:00.000-07:002011-07-20T13:01:57.907-07:00New Designer Drug Use On Rise In Md. - Baltimore News Story - WBAL Baltimore<a href="http://www.wbaltv.com/news/28600852/detail.html">New Designer Drug Use On Rise In Md. - Baltimore News Story - WBAL Baltimore</a>C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-2721756815860833902010-11-06T15:12:00.000-07:002010-11-06T15:22:59.254-07:00Who Becomes A Cutter?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0vfG82AWGa0/TNXTZ0airFI/AAAAAAAAAMo/aDLfji5NGig/s1600/harm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 176px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0vfG82AWGa0/TNXTZ0airFI/AAAAAAAAAMo/aDLfji5NGig/s400/harm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536563757442051154" /></a><br />Cutting Yourself - Who Becomes a Cutter?<br /><br />Most parents believe that their children are well adjusted and happy for the most part, and most parents are right. Yes, pre-teens and teenagers suffer through their trials but most make it through “none the worse for wear”. However, there are those who only know how to deal with the hurt and pain by <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">inflicting self harm</a>, or cutting themselves.<br /><br />Who Becomes a Cutter?<br /><br />For the most part, people who indulge in <a href="http://thesobervillage.com">cutting behavior</a> are those who feel as though they have no other way to cope. Often, they may have intense emotions built up inside that they do not know how to release in any other way. The cutting behavior may be the only way they can attempt to release some of the emotional stress and tension. Also, most cutters are girls, but this not a rule.<br /><br />Cutters may also suffer from some sort of psychological disorder as well, though this is not always the case. Some of these psychological disorders include <a href="http://stopdepression.info">depression</a>, <a href="http://eatingdisordertalk.net">eating disorders</a>, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and bipolar disorder. Other cutters may be dealing with alcohol or drug abuse. However, anyone who is feeling overwhelmed and lacks the appropriate coping mechanisms can become a cutter.<br /><br />Signs Your Child May Be Cutting<br /><br />As a parent, you have been watching your child grow from an infant and often know his/her personality fairly well. When children become pre-teens and teenagers, though, raging hormones may often have an effect on your once angelic child. Most teenagers begin to want to express their individuality and independence around this time. So, how do you know if your changing/child is cutting himself/herself?<br /><br />When a child is engaging in cutting behavior, he/she often wants to hide the evidence. They may tell you that the cuts and scratches come from rough play, a pet, or some other benign incident. So, you will need to look further. Some signs to watch for include sudden secretiveness, small linear cuts on the body (forearms, upper arms, inner thighs, etc.), and mood changes such as depression or anxiety. Also, if your child insists on wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather (i.e. sweatshirt and jeans on a 90 degree day), he or she may have a problem with cutting.<br /><br />If you suspect that your child may be cutting himself/herself, do not become overly upset or hysterical. The most important thing is that your child receives help, but he/she must be willing to accept the help as well. The first step in the ‘help’ process normally begins with psychotherapy. However, be sure to select a psychotherapist who understands and is skilled in this type of behavior.C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-69574982709305987372009-11-07T14:27:00.000-08:002009-11-07T14:32:20.179-08:00Are Parents Responsible for Increasing Drug Addiction among Teenagers?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0vfG82AWGa0/SvX1OBcKzrI/AAAAAAAAAMY/sFnc3MHP5BQ/s1600-h/feat1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0vfG82AWGa0/SvX1OBcKzrI/AAAAAAAAAMY/sFnc3MHP5BQ/s400/feat1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401492949354335922" /></a><br />Are Parents Responsible for Increasing Drug Addiction among Teenagers?<br /><br />Teenagers are the most concerning and the most viable group of age that needs attention and proper guidance because they are more prone of getting into trouble and false activities. If you are a parent, you would be held responsible for the future of your children’s life no matter what the reasons or causes are. <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">Your teenage daughter or son</a> can easily get influenced by the friends and company he or she has around him or her. Teenage alcohol addiction is increasing every day and the reason behind this could be the carelessness of parents. <br /><br />Most of the time, all the <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">kids need attention</a> and they need somebody to talk their problems out but there is nobody they can consult or talk their grievances. With the concern, they turn towards the things that can keep them away from the stress they are going through and for that purpose they turn towards hazardous things like alcohol, cigarette, cocaine, heroine and etc. Parents should monitor the daily routine and schedule of their children and must provide them with ample amount of time so they children never feel lonely or neglected. A few motivating lines or phrases will be enough for them to realize that their parents are with them.<br /><br />If you are a parent and you <a href="http://thesobervillage.com">are an alcoholic or addicted </a>to any other drugs then you should know that the teenagers learn from you and they would be influenced by your actions and activities, They will assume that my father or mother is doing the right thing and they will do the same without know that what his or her mother or father was doing. In order to overcome such situations you must completely avoid drinking or drug abuse in front of your children. <br /><br />If you observe that your children remain <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">unhappy or depressed</a> most of the time then you should discuss with them about the reasons or causes behind the unhappy mood of your children. <br /><br /> According to me if parents take good care of their children and provide them suitable time then I am sure that not a single teenager will get addicted towards something like alcohol, heroine or marijuana. Increasing drug addiction among teenagers is a sign of carelessness of different parents. So I appeal to all those parents that they must wake up and take good care of their teenagers before it gets too late for them to get a hold on their children. <br /> <br /><br /><a href="http://soberteensonline.com">Sober Teens Online: Support for Today's Teens with Teen Issues! </a>C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-43521608061704137012009-05-25T12:37:00.000-07:002009-05-25T12:45:09.685-07:00Help With Teen Addiction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0vfG82AWGa0/Shr1PnFyYII/AAAAAAAAAL4/3xu6KKI7rl4/s1600-h/teens.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 114px; height: 66px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0vfG82AWGa0/Shr1PnFyYII/AAAAAAAAAL4/3xu6KKI7rl4/s400/teens.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339849956741243010" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Teen Addiction Help</span><br /><br />Teenagers are one of the most common addicts to both alcohol and substances. Many <span style="font-style:italic;">teens start these addictions</span> by recreational use, to speak out against their parents. However, by the end, teenagers may be so addicted that they need professional help. <br /><br />The teenage brain is highly susceptible to addiction. Once a teen starts a substance, or alcohol it is very hard to avoid becoming addicted. Teens often begin abusing substances because of peer pressure by their friends or because they have problems in their lives. While the addiction itself needs to be treated, these underlying causes need to be examined as well. <br /><br /><a href="http://soberteensonline.com">Sober Teens Online</a> is a great community for teens who may not be ready to reach out to someone in their community. Visiting Sober Teens Online allows troubled teens to talk with peers and get help with their addiction. While the main focus of Sober Teens Online is to get teens help for their addiction, Sober Teens Online also provides an enormous amount of fellowship. One of the great parts about <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">Sober Teens Online</a> is its large amount of members. Over 1,000 teens are members on the forum, which means that teens will easily be able to find a member that can relate to the situation that they are in. <br /><br />Once teens have gathered up the courage, whether via <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">Sober Teens Online</a> or through self-reflection, the next major task is to get help. There are hundreds of centers across North America, and even the world that will help teens who are stuck in an addiction. Not all of these centers are a perfect fit for each teen, and some may not be looking to help a teen at all. When you are looking for a rehabilitation center for a teen with addiction, try to get references from a local teen crisis center. These centers often deal with teens who are having problems, and will be able to help point you in the right direction. <br /><br />Teens may not always be willing to deal with the hard facts of life. However, with an addiction recovery program that is targeted directly for them, and a very powerful support group, teens will be able to conquer even the most difficult addiction. Teens cannot get help for their addiction without wanting it. As much as it may hurt their loved ones to see their lives fall into despair, a teenage addict needs to step forward and admit they have a problem. If an addict does not, but enters treatment anyways, they will relapse. Make sure the teenager has tons of support throughout their addiction recovery process. Stays at rehabilitation centers can be as long as months at a time, and recovery lasts for a life time.C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-11797995339973690522009-02-12T19:17:00.000-08:002009-02-12T19:18:10.659-08:00Sober Teens Forums on YouTube<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DoCfYIMZNs4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DoCfYIMZNs4&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-48759698156654847402009-01-23T08:40:00.000-08:002009-01-23T08:44:30.468-08:00I HAVEN'T KILLED ANYONE....YET.I've come to the conclusion over the years that most addicts are good people with a bad disease. In my conversations with many of them, they express a great deal of remorse for what they do and continue to do. Many become suicidal, not because they feel so sick, but because they cannot bear the thought of continuing to hurt those they love. To wake up day after day, not quite remembering what occurred the night before, then to see the look of disappointment and fear on the faces of the ones closest to you is a terrible thing - for everyone.<br /><br />My arms are covered with light scarring - from practice cuts, <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">"calls for help"</a>, and sometimes the pain inflicted would over-ride the confusion, fear and other emotional pain that was building inside me. They are a good reminder of the "dark days".........Death would have been an acceptable if not desirable effect of what I was doing.<br /><br />There's a saying that goes "God looks after drunks and fools"....well, I can say from personal experience he (whoever he/she/it is) definitely does. When things got too much for me, I took a massive overdose and woke up 3 days later. Alone (no-one had found me), hallucinating, bright red through high blood pressure but, unfortunately, alive. I say unfortunately because that is how I felt at the time. I feared the future and what I may do next. I was so sure I was going to die from the overdose, I was at a total loss when I regained consciousness. So I did what any good addict would do in the situation - went and got blasted!<br /><br />The years of accumulated destruction I had left behind me were really starting to wear me down. I could not see a time when I could walk down a street without looking over my shoulder. There were all the "yets" to think about:<br /><br />I hadn't robbed a bank...yet<br />I hadn't killed anyone...yet<br />I didn't have irreversible brain damage...yet<br />There were still quite a few unspeakable things I hadn't done...yet.<br /><br />If you are in the grip of a substance addiction....look back over the years...have things gotten better? What makes you think they will?<br /><br />When you are an addict, you don't have control over a substance or a great deal of your behaviour while you are <a href="http://alcohol911.net">under the influence </a>of that substance. As the disease progresses, your self-control declines. If you are an addict, it is very unwise to say "I would never do something like that" .... our jails are full of people who have uttered those damning words.<br /><br />If you are close to an addict; whether you are their partner, family or friend there is also no way that you can state "He/She would never do that to me". Your false sense of security could cost you your life.<br /><br />If you are living with someone who has a <a href="http://recoveryworks.info">substance abuse problem</a> and refuses to do anything about it, my advice to you is to pack your bags and leave... especially if you have children in your care. You may be saying to yourself "it's not that easy". It is. Think about the alternative - a life of continued fear and insecurity, or worse.<br /><br />Have you ever heard of the "battered wife syndrome"? The victims are usually people who have been in an abusive relationship for so long, the person feels they can no longer leave, they have forgotten what "normal" is. Substance abuse is usually a feature in these relationships.<br /><br />Read the papers.... "Father of four slays family" <br /><br />Alcohol and other drugs greatly impair areas of the brain that deal with memory, reasoning, inhibition and aggression....the longer the abuse, the more the damage - the worse the behaviour.<br /><br />So <a href="http://addicts.ws">fellow addicts</a>, what to do?<br /><br />Suicide is an option if you don't wish to get help - but make it quick, the suicide through drug abuse is long and drawn out for everyone. Also, suicide is a bit harder than what people imagine. I have tasted the cold steel of a rifle barrel in my mouth - I didn't pull the trigger. I do know others that did. After all their years of drug abuse, they left one final gift for their family and friends - their corpses. How thoughtful. Another mess that others have to clean up on your behalf.<br /><br />But there is another way, it's called recovery. A total stranger introduced it to me....<br /><br />There are many strangers who can show you it too....<br /><br />Pick up a telephone directory and look under "<a href="http://thesobervillage.com">Drug and Alcohol"</a>. Almost everyone country in the world has a section for it. There you will find numbers for groups of people who have been to hell and back, who know just what you are going through. While I am aware that many countries in the world do not offer <a href="http://suboxdetox.com">free detox services</a>, these community based groups will assist you with detoxing and have "contacts" that can help you through the dangerous time of physical withdrawal.<br /><br />Please, never try to withdraw on your own....<br /><br />Life can be different for you - positive, energizing, peaceful<br /><br />Or haven't you had <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">enough of your addiction</a>.....yet?<br /><br />Michael Bloch<br />michael@worldwideaddiction.com<br />http://www.worldwideaddiction.com<br /><br />Copyright information.... This article is free for reproduction but must be reproduced in its entirety along with the authors' name and web site link. This copyright statement must be also be included. (c) 2001 - 2007 Michael Bloch, World Wide Addiction.com,. All rights reserved.C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-91857647811708537432008-12-18T14:24:00.000-08:002008-12-18T14:28:27.638-08:00New Facet of Self Harm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0vfG82AWGa0/SUrOhQ1d_kI/AAAAAAAAALo/ygVRI_e-YZo/s1600-h/teenage_metal_1211.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0vfG82AWGa0/SUrOhQ1d_kI/AAAAAAAAALo/ygVRI_e-YZo/s400/teenage_metal_1211.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281260583895563842" /></a><br />Self-Embedding<br /><br />By Tiffany Sharples, from Time Magazine--link is <a href="http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1865995,00.html">here</a>, with other links to photographs and x-rays<br /><br /><br />At a recent medical conference in Chicago, a team of radiologists from Nationwide Children's Hospital presented intriguing X-ray evidence of a psychological phenomenon — what they believed was a new form of self-injury among teens and adolescents. Eleven out of 505 patients whom the team had treated in more than a decade had inserted objects — from chunks of crayons to unfolded paper clips — under their skin in a behavior the Nationwide team labeled "self-embedding."<br /><br />All of Nationwide's patients were young females, but when the researchers, including Dr. William Shiels II, the hospital's chief of radiology, turned to medical literature for other examples of self-embedding, they found very few — and those were among adults, primarily males. Shiels and his colleagues asked around at the hospital, but not even mental-health specialists had heard of it, nor had many of their colleagues outside the hospital. "As a profession in general, psychologists were not aware that this was happening," Shiels says.<br /><br />At the time of the conference, however, a Chicago Tribune reporter uncovered two more instances of self-embedding in an Illinois town — two teen girls had deliberately inserted pencils into their skin and broken off the tips — lending credence to the possibility that self-embedding was a growing trend, albeit off the radar. "We know it's elsewhere," says Shiels, who is creating a protected database for medical professionals worldwide to track the behavior. "It just hasn't been discussed and it hasn't been studied."<br /><br />Shiels' team stumbled on the peculiar practice largely by chance. In 2007, a premed student named Adam Young, then 21, was compiling data during his summer internship at Nationwide. Part of his responsibilities included maintaining a database of patients who had been treated by the hospital's radiology department using Image Guided Foreign Body Removal, a technique that was developed by Shiels during his Army days to help remove foreign objects like shrapnel from soft tissue. Shiels' method was less invasive than surgery, which often requires an incision of 2 to 3 inches and can lead to damage in surrounding tissues or organs; the new method requires a quarter-inch incision and uses a combination of ultrasound and fluoroscopy — live X-ray — to carefully guide forceps to the object, steering clear of the body's vital structures during extraction. The scar is also much smaller, "about the size of a freckle," Shiels says.<br /><br />While Young was cataloging the hospital's data on procedures involving Shiels' technique, which Shiels first introduced to the hospital in 1995, Young realized that some of the patients hadn't injured themselves accidentally. Unlike the majority of people who came in for treatment — for stepping on a piece of glass or being impaled by a particularly large splinter — these patients' wounds were self-inflicted. "I started to see three or four instances where the foreign-body cases were not accidental," he says. "I started to think it was a little strange and mentioned it to Dr. Shiels."<br /><br />Young went back to school in the fall, and two or three more patients came to Nationwide with similar wounds. For Shiels and Young, it became clear that they were on to something. The following summer, Shiels, Young (who graduated from Miami University in Ohio) and three others worked their way through the data, unearthing cases of self-embedding going back to 2005. They also discovered that the majority of patients who harmed themselves in this way did so more than once — the average recurrence was three times — and that the materials embedded under the skin varied dramatically in size, from several unfolded staples embedded into a hand to a 6.3-in. unfolded paper clip inserted into a bicep.<br /><br />Once they were aware of the trend, Shiels and his colleagues analyzed the patients' medical records, finding consistent histories of self-injury and mental-health problems. There are numerous psychological and emotional factors that drive people to self-harm, but according to Harvard psychology professor Matthew Nock, who specializes in the study of self-injurious behavior and edited a book on the subject, Understanding Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (due March 2009), many do it for two broad reasons: to regulate their emotions and to communicate with others. "Self-injurers experience greater physiological arousal in response to stress, show poor ability to tolerate distress, and have greater deficits in social problem-solving skills," Nock explains, meaning that people self-injure to distract themselves from other emotional pain, to counter feelings of numbness or to let people know that they're suffering.<br /><br />The Nationwide team's findings sparked a frenzy on the Internet, with stories cropping up one after the other and chatter lighting up on blogs. But as the news spread, globally even, some mental-health professionals grew wary. Without discounting the severity of the problem — particularly among adolescent girls — some experts felt the headlines declaring self-embedding a new "disorder" went too far. Characterizing it as a disorder rather than a symptom of one may miss the mark, says Dr. John Campo, chief of child and adolescent psychiatry at Nationwide Children's and one of the specialists consulted by Shiels. "Young people with a variety of different psychiatric diagnoses may engage in this behavior," says Campo, and proclaiming it as its own condition may deter comprehensive mental-health care to identify the true nature of the problem.<br /><br />Nock believes self-embedding is a dangerous evolution, but says it is not unique. "I view this as a more severe variation of self-injury," he says. An analysis of the data Nock has compiled in his years of research reveals that some 10% to 20% of adolescents who injure themselves have inserted objects beneath their skin. None of those patients reported leaving the objects there, however, and only two out of 12 patients who reported doing so had to seek medical treatment as a result. "The fact that kids are inserting things under their skin is not necessarily new," Nock says, adding that those who leave the objects embedded are probably in a very small minority.<br /><br />The dangers of this form of self-injury are obvious, and serious. Creating any wound in the skin can lead to infection, but when foreign objects are inserted deep into tissue, the risk is amplified. "The infections aren't just at the site," Shiels says. "You can get a deep muscle infection or a bone infection," or if you hit arteries, veins, nerves or tendons while driving something into the soft tissue, you can cause tears or other damage. Beyond those risks, there is also the possibility that objects can travel once inside the body, approaching vital organs. "They pose significant risk, not only during insertion, but also if they're not removed," Shiels says.<br />The other major concern among mental-health specialists is that publicizing the behavior could exacerbate the problem. In a study of self-injury among adolescents conducted earlier this year, Nock found that 38% of teens who injured themselves learned of the practice from friends, while 13% first heard about it through the media. It's a bit of a catch-22, says Nock. "On the one hand, it's very helpful and useful for health professionals to communicate with each other and learn how to proceed when they see [these cases]," he says, "but we know that media coverage of self-injurious behavior influences rates of self-injurious behavior."<br /><br />As studies show a surge in self-injury in recent years, "we've also seen increased media reports," Nock says. "It could be the media is catching up, but the opposite is also true: as kids hear more about it, it enters into the realm of behaviors in which they can engage."<br /><a href="http://soberteensonline.com"><br /><br />SOBER TEENS ONLINE, ONLINE HELP FOR TEENS BY TEENS!</a>C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-9768732785880844872008-10-28T10:05:00.000-07:002008-10-28T10:09:23.888-07:00P.U.R.E Services<a href="http://www.helpyourteens.com/services.php"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0vfG82AWGa0/SQdGcvwf3tI/AAAAAAAAAIg/JQgIbJz4L_0/s1600-h/not_too_late.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0vfG82AWGa0/SQdGcvwf3tI/AAAAAAAAAIg/JQgIbJz4L_0/s400/not_too_late.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262252149275877074" /></a></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.helpyourteens.com/services.php">P.U.R.E. Services</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.helpyourteens.com/services.php">P.U.R.E.™</a> is a service to parents and families to assist them with Parent Awareness regarding schools and programs. This industry is extremely competitive and can be very confusing. "The Desperate Parent" is at high risk of making wrong decisions that may be detrimental to you and your child. Since we were once in that position, we want you to take comfort in the fact "you are not alone," and give you the opportunity to learn from our experiences and more importantly, gain from our knowledge.<br /><br />Researching can be time consuming and tedious, yet very important. How do you know if a program or school is right for your child or if they really are who they claim to be? We speak from our hearts & our experiences to give you a feeling of ease. Restricting your search to a geographical area, you are limiting your chances of finding the right placement for your child. We encourage you to review what is best for your child, not what is closest to home.<br /><br />We believe in finding a positive and encouraging setting for children. Placing a negative child into a negative environment can usually build resentment and anger, especially to the family that placed them there. Today's society with peer pressure is making it very difficult for our children. Let's help them, not punish them. P.U.R.E.™ believes in bringing families back together...<br /><br />You can contact us or request information by filling out the Free Consultation Form.<br /><br />Call Toll Free: 1-800-730-7260<br /><br />Local and International Callers please call us at (954) 349-7260. Our fax number is (954) 349-6540.<br /><br />Our Mission Statement: We are dedicated as professionals and parents to assist families that are looking for placement for their struggling teens. Our personal motto is "Bringing Families Back Together™."<br /><br />For additional information about our services please read our <a href="http://www.helpyourteens.com/services.php">Frequently Asked Questions section.</a>C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-18810057134705994362008-10-14T05:01:00.000-07:002008-10-14T05:03:24.529-07:00Internet addiction becomes growing concernThe symptoms of Internet addiction are stark but the causes elusive: a teenager begins gaming on the Internet in the early evening and is still feverishly pecking away when the sun comes up.<br /><br />Another goes to online chat rooms and e-mail sites for 12 hours at a stretch, or even 24.<br /><br />A third stops eating or eats in front of the screen. Or stops washing. Their identities become twisted up, like strands of DNA, with computer characters.<br /><br />"It is clear right now that there are people who really, really struggle with what we can easily define as Internet addiction. What that number is we don't know," said Louise Nadeau, a professor at the University of Montreal's psychology department who is researching the issue.<br /><br />She is one part of a growing cadre of academics examining the social and psychological problems that have sprung from the explosive growth of the World Wide Web. <br /><br /> But drawing any conclusions or projections is a mug's game, said Nadeau, because researchers have barely delved into the issue.<br /><br />She estimates that in Quebec one quarter of one per cent of those who seek addictions counselling are hooked on the web -- outnumbered by far by those trying to overcome drug or alcohol problems.<br /><br />"That's really not a lot," said Nadeau. "But then there was no advertising for (Internet addiction treatment), so the people who did ask for it were really in distress."<br /><br />The problem, she said, is defining Internet addiction and determining where to draw the line between avid computer user and addict.<br /><br />A child who spends 12 consecutive hours a day on the web may be addicted or may just lack parental supervision, said Nadeau. And does a compulsive online gambler or porn site surfer have an Internet problem or a gambling/sexual disorder?<br /><br />"Are we at the step in this province where we can advertise our addiction (treatment) service? I'm not sure we're there," said Nadeau.<br /><br />"But (Internet addiction) is something new that wasn't there 15 years ago."<br /><br />Cyber addictions have been the subject of a number of recent studies and test cases.<br /><br />In Britain, psychologist David Lewis recently spearheaded a survey of 2,100 subjects that found close to half experienced stress and anxiety -- detected by measuring heart rates and brainwave activity -- when unable to go online, a phenomenon that has been dubbed "discomgoogolation." It also suggested that half of Britons are on the Net between one and four hours a day and 87 per cent rely on it as their primary source of information.<br /><br />Karyn Gordon, a Toronto-based teen coach and author of Dr. Karyn's Guide to the Teen Years, says she has counselled some adolescents whose "entire social life is in cyberspace."<br /><br />Addiction to video games is "a huge problem," particularly with boys, she said in an interview when her book was launched earlier this year.<br /><br />"I don't think video games are bad and should be banned," but parents need to set limits for their children, Gordon said.<br /><br />Having games is "a privilege, and with any privilege there needs to be responsibility and boundaries around that."<br /><br />If it reaches the point of addiction, parents should seek professional help, she said.<br /><br />"Yes, there are some parents that can handle it (on their own), but really a lot of times I find it almost just gets a lot worse." <br />___________<br />source: London Free PressD. Estitutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178587293043058717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-91443229482969435172008-09-19T12:10:00.000-07:002008-09-19T12:11:21.797-07:00Video Game Addiction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0vfG82AWGa0/SNP5Lp9S3fI/AAAAAAAAAII/26elU8habXQ/s1600-h/games.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0vfG82AWGa0/SNP5Lp9S3fI/AAAAAAAAAII/26elU8habXQ/s400/games.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247811969453579762" /></a><br /> Studies show that the excitement of video games makes playing them addictive. Parents of preteens hardly find this surprising.<br />Ask any preteen how they love to spend their spare time, and chances are you'll get an earful about video games. But why do they love them so? Are they addictive? According to some studies it would appear that the excitement of video games causes the brain to release a chemical that is, in essence, addictive. For any parent who has seen the fervor by which some kids play video games, this news is no surprise.<br /><br />What makes these games so addictive? Media literacy specialist, Dr. Charles Ungerleider explains that "they're very compelling with increasing complexity, so a child becomes more facile, yet wants to know more and apply new skills." While wanting to improve their game isn't a problem in itself, it becomes one if video games are "taking a youngster away too much from other activities," says Ungerleider. "Then the parent has to intervene and limit the amount of time the youngster spends with the video game."<br /><br />Professor of Computer Science, Maria Klavee feels video games, if not too violent, can "offer some real opportunities for puzzle solving, strategic and critical thinking". But she adds that it's important that video and computer games are played in moderation. Klavee says parents should "provide a selection of activities, not just the ones that have the most action or are addictive. Choose some that involve problem solving or good story lines. Also aim for a balance in your child's life. Sports are important, reading's important. Just think of computer games as one more component in a child's exploration of what's out there in society."<br /><br />As for addiction? Ungerleider believes that "a parent can prevent youngsters from becoming addicted to too much TV or too many video games by establishing a pattern of selective viewing or by using video game material early in a child's life so that by the time a youngster gets to be an adolescent and there's very little surveillance or control, it's less likely to occur."<br /><br />Finally, Ungerleider remind parents that "if a youngster becomes addicted to video games it can be a problem and the parent does need to intervene and provide attractive alternatives."<br /><br />Adapted from The Parent Report Radio Show. Any advice or information contained herein should never be a substitute for professional and/or medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. For more information please review Terms of Service. Source: http://www.theparentreport.com/resources/ages/preteen/kids_culture/130.htmlC.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-75928935750634542782008-08-19T18:28:00.001-07:002008-08-19T18:28:40.379-07:00Anger Management in ChildrenAnger Management in Children <br /><br />Anger, a normal emotion, can transform into something painful and ugly. First thoughts of anger issues may bring about images of a couple fighting, a parent abusing a child, a teenager lashing out at a teacher or a parent. Rarely will images of angry children come to mind. Unfortunately children, at very young ages, have to deal with feelings of anger and rage. This is a truth which is often difficult to understand or manage. <br /><br />Children, young children especially, aren't normally aware of how they feel. When a child becomes upset or mad they simply show these emotions through their behavior. A good example of this might be the little boy in the supermarket who throws a tantrum because he's upset. Many parents have had to deal with similar situations. It is unfortunate that often times these occurrences are overlooked or dismissed because they are "just children". Anger management in children is as important, or perhaps even more important than anger management in adults. <br /><br />A child requires instruction and guidance from their coming into the world to their entry into adulthood. The things they learn throughout their young lives are likely to form the person they become as an adult. For this reason anger management in children with difficulties controlling their temper is extremely important. Finding ways to teach anger management in children might present challenges. <br /><br />There are programs designed specifically for children with anger management issues. Finding one that works for a particular child might require testing many methods. Not all children will respond to the same treatments for anger management in children. Because a child cannot always relate their feelings surrounding angry outburst, finding the right approach may take some time. Until the issue is resolved or at least controlled, it is imperative to continue the search.<br /><br />Young children may respond well to worksheets, games and fun activities. All of these can be used effectively to teach anger management in children. Developing programs which incorporate each of these might be the best route to take. A child completing a worksheet, coloring sheet or participating in games and activities with underlying messages regarding anger management, may not even realize they are working on their problem. Making the activity fun doesn't mean that the anger issue has to be left out. Choosing fun activities which teach healthy interaction and decision making might be good for anger management in children. Teaching them to take turns and helping them to learn that they can't always be the best or the winner would definitely make a difference when confrontational situations arise. Little activities which instill values and positive thinking would be beneficial for anger management in children.<br /><br />If a child is old enough to talk about their anger problem, encouraging them to share their feelings is important. Suggesting they talk to someone who they feel comfortable with and trust is a good idea regarding anger management in children. Asking them to write or draw about their emotions may be able to help disclose their underlying issues, whether fear, hurt or sadness. Teaching them to ask for help when they feel threatened or angry would certainly help the child with a problem. The important detail to realize when considering anger management in children are they are just "children". Their minds are not equipped to handle big people situations and so they will require a more careful approach.C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-14462661207030945062008-07-13T18:38:00.000-07:002008-07-13T18:41:26.305-07:00Avoid Alcohol for a Better Body and MindWhat is alcohol?<br /><br />Alcohol is nothing but a natural fruit juice. It is a health drink also. There are many types of alcohol. But the one which is useful to human being is ethyl alcohol. It is also known as grain alcohol since it is prepared from starch grains. Ethyl alcohol is the alcohol of wine beer, whisky and similar beverages. It is often simply referred as “alcohol”. Most of the alcohol is prepared when grains, fruits or vegetables are fermented.<br /><br />What is fermentation?<br /><br />The process of conversion of sugars into ethyl alcohol under the influence of yeast is known as fermentation. The raw materials of ethyl alcohol are cane juice, beets, dates, molasses, fruit juices which contains sugar, substances which contain starch such as potatoes, rice, barley and maize.<br /><br />Why should you avoid commercial alcohol?<br /><br />Denatured Alcohols <br /><br />It is commercial ethyl alcohol to which small amounts of very poisonous substance have been added. So, commercial alcohol contains methyl alcohol which is poisonous. The manufacture and sale of ethyl alcohol is under strict government control. Heavy excise duty is levied on sale of alcoholic beverages. For industrial purpose ethyl alcohol is duty free in some of the countries. <br /><br />Alcoholic Beverages<br /><br />The largest use of ethyl alcohol is considered as a beverage. Wine contains about 12% ethyl alcohol. Beers contain about 4%. Whisky and Brandy contains about 40-50% ethyl alcohol. The alcoholic content of a beverage is indicated by a measure known as proof spirit. <br /><br />How does it affect your health?<br /><br />When you drink alcoholic beverages, the ethyl alcohol finds its way in your blood. When you consume 0.8% you will feel steady. If it is 2% you feel giddiness, 3% not able to walk, 4% you may fall down. When it reaches 5% it may leads to death <br /><br />Why do people like to have it?<br /><br />Due to some curiosity people like to drink it. They feel that it is good and reduces stress. Some times to people drink to relax themselves.<br /><br />A Step By Step Method for Alcohol Detox<br /><br /><a href="http://soberteensonline.com">Alcohol detox</a> may be defined as a phase of medically supervised and monitored withdrawal from alcohol at the same time the alcohol is detached from the body. <br /><br />Alcohol detoxification depends on your age, medical status and alcohol intake history. In the case of a young man who drinks a lot and looks for 7 days treatment after his last consumed alcohol, he may not need detoxification ahead of starting medication for alcoholism. The most common drugs employed for this purpose are the benzodiazepines, which are followed by barbiturates.<br /><br />What are benzodiazepines?<br /><br />Benzodiazepines, diazepam, oxazepam or lorazepam are the most common drugs used to minimize symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. There are a number of treatment methods in which it is employed. The choice of benzodiazepine depends upon the situation.<br /><br />Chlordiazepoxide is preferred in case of uncomplicated withdrawal of alcohol. <br />Diazepam or Lorazepam are available for persons who are not able to take medicines safely by mouth.<br />Oxazepam and Lorazepam is considered best for patients who have cirrhosis <br /><br />What is the proper medication for alcohol detox and withdrawal?<br /><a href="http://thesobervillage.com"><br />Alcohol detox</a> can cause suffering and pain and it can be life threatening. Detox from alcohol, otherwise known as withdrawal, may lead to various problems. The symptoms of acute alcohol detox and withdrawal start to emerge within 6 to 48 hours. Proper medication for alcohol detox and withdrawal is to lessen the discomfort of the patient and avoid the development of severe symptoms. Admission in hospital gives the safest situation for alcohol detox and withdrawal. <br /><br />What is common procedure to detox?<br /><br />Most doctors are contented to prescribe for alcohol detox. A common procedure for detox is as follows.<br /><br />Your doctor may prescribe a high dosage medication for the first day so that you discontinue drinking alcohol.<br />Then the dosage will be reduced gradually over the next five to seven days. Usually this avoids or reduces the nasty withdrawal symptoms.<br />You should accept not to consume any alcohol in the course of alcohol detoxification. In order to make sure that you are not drinking alcohol, a breathalyzer may be used.<br />Usually your doctor or nurse will monitor you more often at the time of detox.<br /><br />While under going detox, <a href="http://recoveryworks.info">support from friends</a> or family may be of great help. The work of receiving the prescription and providing the detox medicine is shared with a friend or family member.C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-47867900295042017032008-07-06T07:47:00.000-07:002008-07-06T07:48:30.627-07:00The Risks of Teen Drinking and Drug Use<object width="300" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/cs_api/get_swf"></param><param name="flashvars" value="swfHome=eplayer.clipsyndicate.com&va_id=635836&wpid=2057&csEnv=p"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/cs_api/get_swf" flashvars="swfHome=eplayer.clipsyndicate.com&va_id=635836&wpid=2057&csEnv=p" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="300" height="265"></embed></object>C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-38330059571036751232008-06-27T14:48:00.000-07:002008-06-27T14:50:48.286-07:00Underage Drinkers Get Their Alcohol From Adults, US SurveyA new nationwide survey on <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">underage drinking in the US</a> estimates that 40 per cent of underage drinkers get free alcohol from adults over the age of 21, including more than 5 per cent who receive it from parents and guardians.<br /><br />The report, dated June 2008 and produced by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is available to download from the SAMHSA website.<br /><br />Underage drinking is responsible for more than 5,000 deaths a year of Americans under the age of 21, said the SAMHSA.<br /><br />There are about 11 million underage drinkers in the US, according to the study, which surveyed about 23,000 American teenagers and young adults from 2002 to 2006. The researchers defined underage current drinkers as persons aged from 12 to 20 who had consumed alcohol in the past 30 days.<br /><br />The nationwide survey was the first to ask detailed questions about underage drinking behaviour and social situations in which <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">young people drink alcohol</a>.<br /><br />It found that 40 per cent of underage drinkers were given alcohol by adults over the age of 21 in the previous month, and that 650,000, or 6.4 per cent, of underage drinkers were given the alcohol by their parents.<br /><br />The study also found that:<br /><br /> * 53.9 per cent of all people aged 12 to 20 engaged in <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">underage drinking</a> in their lifetime, ranging from 11.0 per cent of 12 year olds to 85.5 per cent of 20 year olds.<br /><br /> * An average of 3.5 million people aged 12 to 20 each year (about 10 per cent of the US population) meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence.<br /><br /> * About 1 in 5 in this age group, or around 7 million, have engaged in binge drinking where they had five or more drinks on at least one occasion in the previous 30 days.<br /><br /> * Over 80 per cent of <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">underage drinkers</a> said they were with two or more other people when they last had an alcoholic drink, during which time they drank an average of 4.9 drinks, compared with 2.9 drinks when they on their own or 3.1 when with only one other person.<br /><br /> * Over half of underage drinkers were at someone else's home when they last had a drink of alcohol.<br /><br /> * Binge drinking occurs significantly more often among youngsters who live with a parent who engaged in <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">binge drinking</a> in the past year.<br /><br />Acting Surgeon General Dr Steven K. Galson, a rear admiral in the US Public Health Service said:<br /><br />"In far too many instances parents directly enable their children's underage drinking - in essence encouraging them to risk their health and wellbeing."<br /><br />"Proper parental guidance alone may not be the complete solution to this devastating public health problem - but it is a critical part," he added.<br /><br />SAMHSA Administrator Dr Terry Cline said:<br /><br />"This report provides unprecedented insight into the social context of this public health problem and shows that it cuts across many different parts of our community."<br /><br />"Its findings strongly indicate that parents and other adults can play an important role in helping influence -- for better or for worse -- young people's behavior with regard to underage drinking."<br /><br />Research has shown that one of the reasons <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">people who start drinking</a> at an early age tend to become problem drinkers later in life is they use alcohol to relieve stress.<br /><br />A survey of 27,000 people by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) in the US, and published in the January 2007 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, found that people who reported the most stressful incidents in their lives also drank the most, and those who started to drink alcohol in their teens, and reported at least six "stressors" (pressures that made them feel stressed rather than challenged) drank five times more alcohol than those who started drinking when they were 18 or older.<br /><br />"Underage Alcohol Use: Findings from the 2002-2006 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health."<br />Michael R. Pemberton, James D. Colliver, Tania M. Robbins, Joseph C. Gfroerer.<br />US Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Office of Applied Studies.<br />DHHS Publication No. SMA 08-4333, Analytic Series A-30, June 2008.C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-81679102839368801712008-06-24T15:02:00.000-07:002008-06-24T15:03:36.118-07:00Organic Food vs. Childhood ObesityEating organic is such a simple concept that it is deceiving. The idea is to eat fruits and vegetables that have been produced without the use of chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides, meat that is from animals that have not been given antibiotics and growth hormones, and food that does not contain chemical flavor enhancers or preservatives. It sounds simple enough, and it is simple — it just isn't easy to accomplish.<br /><br />We have an epidemic of childhood obesity in this country. The causes for this epidemic are many, but there are two main causes — lack of exercise, and eating the wrong food. <br /><br />Food preferences are acquired. Little babies aren't born into this world loving chocolate and hating broccoli. They don't have an opinion, but they form opinions based upon their early experiences with food. If they are given chocolate, they will like chocolate. If they are given apples, they will like apples. So the first thing that we can do to stop this epidemic of childhood obesity is to help kids develop food preferences that are healthy and less fattening.<br /><br />The second thing that we can do is to systematically begin eliminating the additives and preservatives in food that contribute to childhood obesity — and adult obesity as well. Flavor enhancers like MSG actually excite brain cells to the point that they self-destruct. The additive also increases the tendency for obesity. There's no doubt about it. <br /><br />There are other food additives that are just as bad. The best policy is to eliminate all prepackaged foods from a child's diet. The weight loss will begin almost immediately when organic apples are substituted for potato chips.<br /><br />The toxins that are in food that is produced by conventional means are also contributing to childhood obesity. Organic food can help to cure the childhood obesity epidemic!<br /><a href="http://soberteensonline.com">Sober Teens Online!</a>C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-51939009970374425632008-06-19T13:01:00.001-07:002008-06-19T13:01:52.838-07:00Studies link marijuana, schizophreniaLast year, Netherlands researchers reviewed five studies and concluded that the use of marijuana (cannabis) approximately doubles the risk of developing schizophrenia. Because the studies excluded anyone with a history of psychosis and controlled for the use of other drugs, they were "able to show the specific effects of cannabis."<br /><br />Now a new study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York has shed light on the reason for the link between marijuana and schizophrenia. With several groups of adolescents as their subjects, they used a special type of MRI called diffusion tensor imaging to compare the brains of those with and without schizophrenia, both users and non-users of marijuana. They found that heavy use of marijuana caused the type of abnormalities in certain areas of the brain as were found in the brains of the subjects with schizophrenia, and these abnormalities were the most pronounced in schizophrenic subjects who regularly smoked marijuana. The abnormalities occur in a brain pathway related to language and auditory functions which is still developing during adolescence.<br /><br />Thus if a young person is genetically at risk for schizophrenia, the research suggests, the use of marijuana can cause the same kind of damage the schizophenia would cause, which could bring on the illness when it might otherwise have not have emerged, cause earlier onset, and/or worsen the condition.<br /><br />Newsday quoted one of the study's authors, Dr. Manzar Ashtari, as saying, ""Don't put yourself at risk, especially if you have a family history of schizophrenia or severe mental illness -- especially when the brain is still growing."C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-77533785848150304782008-06-13T18:01:00.000-07:002008-06-13T18:03:11.888-07:00College Culture: The Way to AddictionMost college kids, being away from home are sucked up in the pressures of belonging, gaining friends, as well as being popular and invited to the frequent parties that come with college life. College is usually the time where the youth learn about drugs and at the same time experiment on drug use. Being in college also means drinking parties from left to right with no parents watching over or family members reminding the youth about what is right from wrong. This may result to drug abuse or being under the spell of alcoholism. <br /><br />There are a lot of addicts who started their <a href="http://www.soberteensonline.com">dependence on drugs and alcohol</a> due to the following situations that are normal in colleges:<br /><br />*Fraternity pressure – because of the student’s need for being accepted, they join a fraternity and then succumb to the pressures of the organization. It is a reality that a lot of negative and sometimes deadly activities are being performed by fraternity members. One such activity is hazing which would range from being spanked hundreds of times by a paddle to being forced to drink gallons and gallons of water that at one time or another lead to the death of one or a couple of members. Most fraternities also encourage members to drink and do drugs and this commonly result to substance abuse. This is also the main factor for reported fraternity deaths.<br /> <br />*Binge drinking – this activity will never be absent from parties, especially fraternity parties. Some students are being forced to drink in order to be part of the cool crowd; this activity more often than not cause the youth to be inflicted with alcoholism and there were even some reported deaths caused by binge drinking. Most alcoholics under going treatment admit that their drinking habit started with a single or a couple of bottles of alcohol in school parties and that took them to where they are now: a rehabilitation center for alcoholics.<br /><br />Using alcohol and drugs is viewed as normal activities and at the same time harmless during college. The fact that it is taken for granted leads the students to being addicts and before they know it, their lives are ruined. After all, nobody ever dreamed of becoming an alcoholic or an addict. <br /><br />Education on alcoholism and substance abuse prevention should be reiterated by college campuses. Programs to fight off college addiction should also be part of the college activities. Remember that the youth headed on the path to college addiction will never admit it and would not want to seek help so it is up to the college to ensure that every student is aware of the signs and symptoms of alcoholism and drug abuse. Preventive Measures on <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">becoming addicts</a> also need to be reminded to the students.<br /><br /><a href="http://soberteensonline.com">Drinking habits</a> and drug intake habits may also be developed during college, leading to their use even after graduation especially because of the feeling of being freer now that they have graduated and will soon be working. A college addiction is never harmless. It should be stopped as early as possible.<br />C.King, M.Ed.C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-57042396206373027662008-06-10T13:44:00.000-07:002008-06-10T13:45:48.782-07:00Teen Depression Worsened by Marijuana, Government SaysBy Sarah Baldauf<br />Posted May 9, 2008<br /><br />Today the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy sent out a clear message on teen pot use and depression: They're a bad combination. Issuing a report that analyzes around a dozen studies about marijuana use and mental health, the policy office warned that <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">teens who use marijuana</a> to "self-medicate" may worsen their underlying depression or other mental health issues. The intention of the report, says John Walters, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, is to "try to correct two misunderstandings: That teen depression is not a problem and that teen marijuana use is not a problem—marijuana use is not safe." He advises parents to talk to their kids' pediatrician if they see signs of depression and suspect drug use.<br /><br />The report, entitled "Teen Marijuana Use Worsens Depression: An Analysis of Recent Data Shows 'Self-Medicating' Could Actually Make Thing Worse," cites statistics to support its warning message, but experts are quick to note that it should be interpreted with caution. For example, the report's statement, "One 16-year study showed that individuals who were not depressed and then used marijuana were four times more likely to be depressed at follow-up," suggests marijuana might cause depression. That data from a 2001 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry was only statistically meaningful after the researchers adjusted for variables including age, gender, and antisocial symptoms, suggesting a weaker relationship between depression and marijuana before adjustments were made.The study also showed that those who were not depressed when first surveyed and then used opioids were 228 times more likely to be depressed at follow-up—without any adjustments. That statistic was not mentioned in the Drug Control Policy's report today. "Adolescent marijuana use may be a factor that triggers psychosis, depression, and other mental illness," says Walters, acknowledging that "research about causality is still ongoing."<br /><br />Policy groups on the other side of the aisle believe the report is misleading. "We agree that kids shouldn't smoke marijuana, but we simply have to be honest to teens and parents. This report [is] deliberately confusing correlation with causation," says Bruce Mirken, director of communications at The Marijuana Project , a Washington-based group that aims to remove criminal penalties for marijuana use and make medical marijuana available to seriously ill patients with doctor's approval. "This very week the British government's official scientific advisors on illegal drugs issued a report saying they are 'unconvinced that there is a causal relationship between the use of cannabis and any affective disorder,' such as depression." Mirken takes issue with the lack of warning about alcohol's relationship to depression. "Data linking alcohol to depression is much stronger and alcohol use by teens is greater than marijuana use," he notes.<br /><br />To be sure, experts believe marijuana carries risk, especially in the subset of teens who are more susceptible to substance abuse and mental health problems due to genetic makeup or environmental factors. "Among treatment populations [in] youth with substance abuse, there's a pretty high rate of clinical depression," says Oscar Bukstein, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; "many kids get high not to stay low."<br /><br />Perhaps most important, those people with co-existing substance abuse and a mental health disorder have worse outcomes than those with either problem alone, he adds. For perspective, Bukstein notes that research has shown 1 in 10 kids who smoke marijuana go on to develop dependence, and about 1 in 10 kids who become dependent on marijuana have psychotic symptoms.<br /><br />The bottom line, says Bukstein, is that mental illness and substance abuse very often go hand-in-hand. Parents who spot signs of depression should have their child professionally assessed for mental health issues, he says, and also for substance abuse—and the reverse is also true. As part of their development, kids are curious (see our previous story on teens' questions about drugs, addiction, alcohol and the like). To lower the likelihood of experimentation with pot, he advises parents to:<br /><br />Always monitor and supervise. Know where your kids are going and with whom.<br /><br />Set limits. Be sure they're not hanging out in homes where no adults are present.<br /><br />Be consistent. Discipline works only when it's reinforced.<br /><br />Seek professional help. If you have a hunch something's wrong, you're probably right.<br /><br />Take care of your own problems. The biggest risk factor for substance abuse and mental health problems is family history.C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-36611035951650860072008-06-04T04:59:00.001-07:002008-06-04T04:59:47.895-07:00A new National Directory of addiction and alcoholism treatment centers, therapists and specialists.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_BTMqWOhhl4s/SEaB8U5T-AI/AAAAAAAAAnI/55mNLYBTimo/s1600-h/tc_120x240.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_BTMqWOhhl4s/SEaB8U5T-AI/AAAAAAAAAnI/55mNLYBTimo/s400/tc_120x240.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207992892501784578" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Most addicted people need help to find a way to live clean, sober lives. Treatment Centers, therapists and specialists are often the last stop in the vicious cycle that is substance addiction.</span><br /><br />Maryland 6/03/2008 07:29 PM GMT (TransWorldNews)<br /><br />TreatmentCenters.com is a national directory for treatment centers, therapists and specialists. We offer a free, simple and comprehensive index that provides assistance and guidance for those seeking help regarding alcohol addiction, drug addiction, eating disorders, cancer and many other conditions that affect the mind, body and soul. We also offer a wide variety of addiction and illness treatment centers, as well as individual counselors that can address your specific needs. We include peer support and detoxification programs. In addition, we can provide you with many resources for outpatient and residential programs.<br /><br />Making the choice to seek treatment for an illness or addiction can be challenging. Our goal at TreatmentCenters.com is to make that job easier for you. We provide a bridge between people seeking treatment and the centers, physicians and counselors who provide that treatment. Keeping in mind that any disorder can affect the entire family, we provide resources and information for friends and family members as well. If you are a person seeking treatment, you will find a vast number of resources on our site.<br /><br />If you are a professional offering services, we provide a first class showcase for what you have to offer. Our site consists of an easy to use search center that will match your needs to the services provided by professionals in your area. We also offer discussion forums where you can dialogue with others about various relevant topics. We provide cutting edge news on a variety of treatment related topics and offer a blog section in which you can journal about your personal experience.<br /><br />Many individuals will not seek treatment for various reasons. It has been our experience that 'active' addicts and alcoholics, as well as people afflicted with different addictions or physical conditions can sometimes lose the ability to reason. A therapist or specialist for a specific illness or addiction issue, or a full-fledged residential treatment center can and will help. You, and/or your loved one, can find it at TreatmentCenters.com.<br /><br />We appreciate input to further refine and maintain the efficiency of this website.<br />Please contact us with your thoughts. Thank You.<br /><br />"Turn over a new leaf with TreatmentCenters.com"<br /><br />Our motto "Hope, Help, Heal, and Happiness" shows the path.<br />You provide the hope. We provide the help<br /><br /><br />TreatmentCenters.com is a national directory for treatment centers, therapists and specialists. We offer a free, simple and comprehensive index that provides assistance and guidance for those seeking help regarding alcohol addiction, drug addiction, eating disorders, cancer and many other conditions that affect the mind, body and soul.<br /><br /><br />For further information, please contact us at 713.992.2828.<br />Sales: palmer@treatmentcenters.com<br />Webmaster: dan@treatmentcenters.com<br /><a href="http://treatmentcenters.com">http://treatmentcenters.com</a><br />_______<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">source: <a href="http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=49296&cat=10">TransWorld News</a></span>D. Estitutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11178587293043058717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-85469986503461202552008-06-03T14:49:00.001-07:002008-06-03T14:49:51.418-07:00How To Live Without Drugs And AlcoholAddicts and alcoholics that are still drinking and using can be overwhelmed at the prospect of getting clean and sober. The problem is not sobering up, because that happens every once in a while anyway. The problem is not even "how do I stay clean?", because most people understand the basics of such an idea--you avoid drugs and alcohol. The real question then becomes: "how do I live without self-medicating? How do I cope with life?"<br /><br />Recovery programs as a guide for living<br /><br />This is what recovery programs are for, such as the 12 step program of Alcoholics Anonymous. The program itself doesn't really address the mechanics of putting down the booze or even how to avoid slippery places (such as a bar) that might get you in trouble. Instead, the program is a guide for living; a set of guidelines to keep a person on an upward path of spiritual growth.<br /><br />Do I need a program in order to enjoy the benefits of recovery?<br /><br />Probably, but not necessarily. There are many paths to recovery. For example, some addicts find recovery and meaningful growth simply by going to counseling each week. Others might find salvation in a church community. The program itself is probably much less important than the level of conviction with which you pursue it. So it might be useful to start out in a program of recovery, something with some guidelines about how to live. The reason a program is useful is because most of us don't really know how to live when we first get clean and sober. Our lives are a mess and we are out of control. So you might do well to seek out some guidance and ask for help.<br /><br />So how can I live without drugs and alcohol?<br /><br />So the real secret to finding a successful life in sobriety is through a replacement strategy. You need to find passion and excitement about living again without drugs and alcohol. Some people will find this passion through church, some through a 12 step program and working with other recovering addicts and alcoholics, and some might find it through a personal path of spiritual growth and development. What's critical is that you have a strong commitment to sobriety and pursue your own growth and development with enthusiasm--regardless of which "program" you are practicing.<br /><br />Still struggling to make recovery work for you? Are you clean and sober, but find that you're not really happy? If so, then learn more about how to live without drugs and alcohol.<br /><br />Patrick Meninga is a recovering addict and alcoholic who authors the Spiritual RiverC.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-15215492435882105922008-06-01T09:01:00.000-07:002008-06-01T09:02:18.445-07:00WHO Slams Tobacco Marketing to YouthThe tobacco industry deliberately targets children with advertising, warranting a complete ban on tobacco ads worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).<br /><br />Fox News reported May 30 that the United Nations agency marked World No Tobacco Day by excoriating the marketing practices of multinational tobacco firms.<br /><br />"The bombardment of messages through billboards, newspapers, magazines, radio and television ads, as well as sports and fashion sponsorships and other ploys, are meant to deceive young people into trying their first stick," said Shigeru Omi, the WHO regional director for the Western Pacific.<br /><br />The WHO called on member nations to implement the advertising ban spelled out in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, noting that only total ad bans are effective because the industry takes advantage of partial bans by shifting their resources to alternative types of promotions.C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-41272611069113366672008-05-28T08:46:00.000-07:002008-05-28T08:48:32.987-07:00Spillover Effects Of Family And School Stress Linger In Adolescents' Daily LivesScienceDaily (May 15, 2008) — Teenagers today face increasing pressures and demands from school and home. New research has found that stress at home affects adolescents' school life, and vice versa. What's more, that stress lasts for two days and affects academic performance across the high school years.<br /><br />The research, carried out at the University of California, Los Angeles, examined the implications of <a href="http://www.soberteensonline.com">stress in adolescents' daily lives</a>, looked at the spillover between daily family stressors and school problems among an ethically diverse group of 589 9th-grade students in the Los Angeles area. The teenagers reported their daily family and school experiences in a diary every day for two weeks, completing a checklist that assessed conflict with parents, family demands, learning difficulties, school attendance, and other experiences.<br /><br />The study found that when <a href="http://www.soberteensonline.com">adolescents experienced family stress</a>, they had more problems with attendance and learning at school the next day. And when they had attendance and learning problems, they experienced more family stress the following day. These spillover effects continued for two days after the initial stressor occurred: Teenagers who experienced family stress had school adjustment problems not only the next day, but two days later. Similarly, teens with academic problems reported family stress for the next two days.<br /><br />Stress also affected academic performance across the high school years, the researchers found. Adolescents who had higher levels of family stress and school problems at the start of high school, in 9th grade, saw declining academic achievement four years later, at the end of 12th grade.<br /><br />"The findings from this study indicate that there are indeed short- and long-term consequences of daily stress that should not be overlooked," according to Lisa Flook, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the study's lead author. "By the same token, the two-directional process of spillover between family and school identified here suggests that reducing stress in the family may have benefits for adolescents' school adjustment and vice versa."<br /><br />Journal reference:<br /><br /> 1. Family and School Spillover in Adolescents' Daily Lives. Flook, L, and Fuligni, AJ (University of California, Los Angeles. Child Development, Vol. 79, Issue 3. (May/June 2008).<br /><br />Adapted from materials provided by Society for Research in Child Development, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-5652553575510524652008-05-24T15:59:00.000-07:002008-05-24T16:01:23.214-07:00Program Works On Body Image Of Young Women To Reduce Onset Of Obesity And Eating DisordersIn their research on eating disorders, Oregon Research Institute (ORI) scientists help young women reduce the influence of the "<a href="http://soberteensonline.com">thin ideal</a>," which is described as associating success and happiness with being thin.<br /><br />ORI scientist Eric Stice, Ph.D. and his colleagues have found that their obesity prevention program reduced the risk for onset of eating disorders by 61% and obesity by 55% in young women. These effects continued for as long as 3 years after the program ended. Results of this study are published in the April issue of the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.<br /><br />These results are noteworthy because, to date, the idea that we can reduce risk for future onset of eating disorders and obesity has been an unrealized goal: over 80 prevention programs have been evaluated, but no previous program had been found to significantly reduce risk for onset of these serious health problems.<br /><br />Stice notes that, "One reason these programs might be more effective is that they require youth to take a more healthy perspective, which leads them to internalize the more healthy attitudes. In addition, these programs have simple take-home messages, which may be easier to remember in the future than messages from more complex prevention programs."<br /><br />Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Stice has been studying eating disorders for 18 years. He has conducted this line of research at Stanford University and the University of Texas, and now continues at the Oregon Research Institute in Eugene, Oregon. He is presently funded by NIH to conduct two research studies to further test these programs with young women in Eugene/Springfield.<br /><br />The obesity prevention program, called Healthy Weight, helps adolescents adopt a healthier lifestyle, wherein they gradually reduce intake of the least healthy portion of their diet and increase physical activity. This program simply teaches youth to balance their energy intake with their energy needs, and to do so on a permanent basis, rather than on the transient basis which is more typical of diets. <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">College-age women</a> in Eugene/Springfield are participating in this study.<br /><br />The eating disorder prevention program, called the Body Project, consists of four one-hour weekly sessions in which participants critique the thin ideal espoused for women in our culture and learn how to challenge current and future pressures to be thin. The program has also produced reductions in other important outcomes such as body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms. Stice has partnered with area high schools on this study and has trained high school counselors to facilitate the weekly sessions.<br /><br />"It is our hope that other institutions and communities will adopt this program for delivery in their schools," notes Stice; "If this program is delivered to enough youth, it should be possible to reduce the prevalence of these serious health problems."<br /><br />Given that <a href="http://www.soberteensonline.com">eating disorders</a> are one of the most common problems faced by young women and that obesity is presently credited with 111,000 deaths per year in the US, it is vital to develop brief prevention programs for these pernicious conditions. At least seven other institutions have begun delivering these interventions in the US and in other countries.<br /><br />----------------------------<br />Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.<br />----------------------------C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-88423714698919026512008-05-20T08:30:00.000-07:002008-05-20T08:32:49.057-07:00Problems Facing Teens TodayTeen problems are growing. If you think that being a teen today is the same as it was when you were in their shoes, you are probably mistaken. Now, listen to yourself say how strict and how hard life was when you where young. But, you need to realize that teens today face huge, life threatening decisions just about ever day. What they face has a lot to do with where they grow up. Yet do not be fooled into thinking that your child is safe.<br /><br />In the normal course of your teen's day, he or she may face any of these things; one or more of them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.soberteensonline.com">Drugs</a>. Think that drugs are simple like they used to be? They are not. Kids today are not just smoking the easy stuff. They are into crack or other strong and deadly drugs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.soberteensonline.com">Sex</a>. Not only are they exposed to it on the television, but they are encouraged by others. They may be engaging in sexual acts that you have never heard of. They may be doing it unprotected as well. At school, after school, on the car ride home - there are many opportunities you do not realize. Teens get pregnant and have babies.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.soberteensonline.com">Violence</a>. Today's teen problems often revolve around violence. They see friends with guns at school or after school. They witness huge fights. They hear threats. They see anger and deal with it daily.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.soberteensonline.com">Depression</a>. With all that they see and do, teens face depression today at an alarming rate as compared to just a decade ago. Depression is not something that just goes away, but can cause them harm and threaten their lives.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.soberteensonline.com">Driving</a>. Teens drive drunk. Teens drive under the influence of drugs. Teens get in cars that others are driving under the influence. Teens may also be responsible drivers, but share the road with those that are not.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.soberteensonline.com">Teen problems</a> that are at a lower level can be just as deadly. They face lying, cheating, emotional trauma, learning disabilities and divorce. All of these things a child will face daily in some cases. In those cases, it is no wonder that they have low self esteems, high drop out rates and some of the students will break under the pressure. Teen problems should be addressed and noticed by their parents first.<br /><br />Resources:<br />Therapy for Teens and FamiliesHelp with Parenting Teens<br /><br />Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_AllenC.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9078923216458963440.post-25405967570150043882008-05-18T10:19:00.000-07:002008-05-18T10:21:16.371-07:00Teenagers and their Invincibility-ComplexTeenagers often think they are invincible. They are in the stage where they perceive themselves as all high and mighty. They think they can always get away with any trouble that they may encounter in their teenage escapades. But nothing could be further from the truth. <br /> <br />One major cause of <a href="http://www.soberteensonline.com">teenage addiction</a> is young people’s tendency to underestimate the risk of dependence associated with drug, alcohol or tobacco experimentation. These potentially harmful habits may seem to young people the mature thing to do, yet they do not really understand that those habits can post detrimental threats to their health and well-being. <br /> <br />Also adding insult to injury to the teenager’s underestimation of the danger of addiction is the harsh truth that they have not been educated enough about <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">the risks of addiction</a>. Today’s young generation tend to underrate addiction because they have not received proper drug, alcohol and tobacco resistance lessons in school, or heard much of it from the media. If the absence of effective anti-addiction messages continues to grow, teenage drug and alcohol abuse will, consequently, continue to rise. <br /> <br />The <a href="http://soberteensonline.com">risk of addiction </a>is overwhelmingly strong for teenagers who try experimenting with harmful substances for fun. The younger they are when they had their first taste of drugs, alcohol or cigarettes, the higher their chances of addiction become. Teens most likely do not intend to become addicted on their first puff or their first bottle. But frequent use could lead to abuse and before they realize it, they are now unable to get themselves out of the web they have spun themselves into. <br /> <br />With all of these disturbing trends, it is also helpful to note that the media has not been doing anything to help curb the development of teenage addiction. Movies, music videos and TV portray celebrities that teenagers look up to and idolize get themselves into drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Exposure to this could mislead teenagers into thinking that it’s cool. Another thing to worry about is how the parents do not set a good example to their children. The lack of parental guidance greatly contributes to the rising population of teenage addicts. <br /> <br />It is of utmost importance to identify the common causes of how teenagers get hooked. Though undeniably, there are many overlapping causes, it would greatly help that the society tackles each cause once and start the change from there. Big things come from small beginnings – this applies well to addiction as much as it does to the process of stopping it. <br />C.King, M.Ed.<br /><a href="http://sobersources.com">Sober Sources Network</a>C.King, M.Ed.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02625396212786855490noreply@blogger.com1