Signs of Substance Abuse

The use of drugs and alcohol by teens continues to be a grave problem in our society. Begin a teenager can mean going through rapid physical and emotional changes. Drugs and alcohol may seem like the way to gain acceptance by friends and an escape from problems. It is important to remember that drugs and alcohol only add to problems; they don't solve them. Signs of a possible problem with drugs and alcohol might include a drop grades, change of friends, stealing money fro drugs or alcohol. Needing drugs or alcohol to have fun. Drinking or doing drugs alone, rapid personality change or a change in daily activity. Open communication between teens and their parents is the only way to calm parental fears and educate teens about the dangers of drug use. Teens need to know that they can get quality, non-judgmental advice from their parents, and parents need to know that their teens will listen to their advice and make good decisions. For further information about teen substance abuse, please contact a counseling professional in your community.

Runaways

Each year, about one million teens leave home without permission. Runaways come from every social class, race and religion. Typically, the teen runs away after a heated argument at home, and stays with a friend close by for a day or two before returning. Teens that repeatedly run away from home, tend to stay away longer, and usually have no plan of where to go. Nine out of ten teenagers return home or are returned to their home by the police within a month. There are many dangers involved in running away. Alone in a strange city or on the highway, a runaway is an easy target for thieves, pimps, drug pushers and other violent criminals. The problems at home are replaced by bigger and much more dangerous problems on the street. Most cities have structured homes where teens can say for a few days or weeks, and symptoms coll off at home. Going to a relative's home is also a safe alternative. For more information on runaways, or where to go if you have run away from home, please contact a teen counseling center in your area.

Adolescent Involvement in Cults

Teens may get involved in cults or gangs because they need a sense of belonging and friendship. Parents can encourage their teens to not follow the crowd and to be more secure in their abilities. When you're insecure, sometimes you let others make your decisions for you, or you follow the crowd. Cults can give teens a sense of higher purpose and a feeling that there is order in the world. If parents are concerned about their teens involvement in a cult or gang, they should talk openly about their concerns with their teen. If further help is needed, please consult a professional counselor in your area.

Family Conflict

Conflict within families is a normal occurrence. No family runs smoothly all of the time. By recognizing that individuals develop patterns of behavior, it is easier to understand the reaction when conflicts arise. It is important for parents and teens to realize that neither is right 100% of the time. Everyone has good days and bad days and mutual respect is the key to eliminating some of the conflict between parents and teens. If the conflict is between parents, it is best for the teen to not pick sides. The disagreement must be worked out between the parents. Conflict among siblings is often the cause for many fights. If the fights are about fairness, it is important to think reasonably and avoid the temptation to think that favoritism is playing a part in the decision making. Most siblings outgrow fighting and enjoy being friends as adults. For more information on family conflict, please see a counseling professional in your community.

Adolescent Depression

Depression, or low mood swings can be short term or long term in teens. Dealing with short term depression can mean confronting the source of the problem or avoiding it if this is possible. Most problems cannot be avoided, but temporarily getting away from a situation can give you new perspective. Physical exercise or mental absorption in something else can help relax your body and clear your mind. It is important to try and realize what is causing the depression. When a specific cause is found fixing the problem is much easier. Depression sometimes stems from a teen's extreme negative view of the world. Learning to enjoy life and not see things quite so bleakly can help. Long term depression can be much harder to control because it seems to take up more of the person's life and crowds out other enjoyable activities. Talking about the problems can help a great deal. If friends or family don't seem to be available to talk, contact a teacher or teen counselor in your area. Remember, being depressed occasionally is not uncommon, and it can be dealt with.

Suicide

Each year, about 400,000 teens try to kill themselves. Many people who talk of killing themselves or attempt suicide are trying to get someone to notice how unhappy they are. Teens who think or talk about suicide need to be taken seriously so they know that others care about them. If a friend or relative is thinking or talking about suicide, you MUST get them help, and not ignore it. Suicide warnings include talking about suicide frequently, saying no one would miss them when they are gone, talking frequently about death or giving belongings away. If you feel suicidal, please wait. Talk to a counselor. Most cities have suicide prevention centers and hot lines that you can find in the phone book. It is important to find someone to talk to and realize that frustrations area normal part of growing up.