The teenage years can be a trying time with hormonal changes and strong emotional states. However, aside from the normal drama that is part of a teens life, there can exist the health concern of serious clinical depression. Depression is a physical illness with symptoms that go beyond sadness. It is estimated that one in eight teens suffer from this life altering condition. Alarmingly, only about 30% of those are provided with treatment, while the other 70% continues to suffer. Parents need to be aware of the risk factors for depression and the warning signs of a teen who may need treatment.
A sad person can still cope and continue on with a normal life. A depressed person, on the other hand, may feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Feelings of despair, worthlessness, and a loss of interest in usual activities are symptoms of depression. Parents should be concerned if their teen is having trouble concentrating or if they show signs of being irritable, restless, anxious, or belligerent. Physical symptoms may also be present with depression. They include headaches, muscle aches, insomnia, excessive sleep, low energy, and changes in appetite or weight.
There are many risk factors associated with depression and the causes vary greatly. One of the largest risk factors is gender. Females are twice as likely to suffer from depression as males. Also, teens with a dysfunctional or disrupted family life, and those who have been sexually or physically abused are at higher risk. In addition, if an adolescent has struggled with a chronic illness or has a family history of depression, they should be closely monitored for this mental illness.
Due to the fact that it is some what natural for a teenager to have mood swings, depression can be hard to diagnose. However, depression is a serious illness that can even lead to suicide. Therefor, it is important to be watchful and provide therapeutic and medical interventions as needed. Talk to your teenager about how they are feeling. Although depression is serious, with the right treatment course, a teen with this illness can return to a normal life.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Teen Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance by teens. The average male will consume his first alcoholic beverage by the age of 11 and the average girl at 13 years old. While peer pressure, environmental factors, and genetic components seem to be the cause of alcohol abuse in teens, it has become clear that most teens will experiment at some point in time. In fact, according to self reports by United States students, grades 9 through 12, about 74% had consumed alcohol on one or more days during their life. However, this statistic is highly alarming due to the fact that teen alcohol abuse is a risk factor for other problems. It not only has a negative effect on teens, but costs our nation billions of dollars each year and threatens the safety and lives of everyone.
Studies have shown that the negative effects of teen alcohol use include everything from decreased performance to brain damage and even death. Risky sexual behavior, pregnancy, drug use, poor academic performance, depression, and suicide are all issues that can be caused or heightened by teen alcohol abuse. While teens are still actively developing physically, drinking can disrupt this process. It may cause liver damage or an imbalance of hormones that can affect the growth of bones, muscles, and vital organs, or alter the onset of puberty and the maturation of the reproductive system. Due to the fact that teen drinking can dispupt the development of the frontal area and hippocampus of the brain, it can diminish a teen’s ability to learn, recall information, control urges, use good judgment, and make plans for the future.
More than 41% of all motor vehicle accidents involve alcohol. Over 17,000 lives are lost each year from this problem. Young inexperienced drivers are already at high risk for an auto collision without being under the influence. Nearly 25% of all alcohol related deaths involve teen drunk driving. It has been estimated that underage drinking costs the United States more than $58 billion dollars each year. This is enough money to buy a computer for every student in America. Also, studies show that teens who abuse alcohol are more likely to become dependent and suffer from alcoholism as an adult.
Studies have shown that the negative effects of teen alcohol use include everything from decreased performance to brain damage and even death. Risky sexual behavior, pregnancy, drug use, poor academic performance, depression, and suicide are all issues that can be caused or heightened by teen alcohol abuse. While teens are still actively developing physically, drinking can disrupt this process. It may cause liver damage or an imbalance of hormones that can affect the growth of bones, muscles, and vital organs, or alter the onset of puberty and the maturation of the reproductive system. Due to the fact that teen drinking can dispupt the development of the frontal area and hippocampus of the brain, it can diminish a teen’s ability to learn, recall information, control urges, use good judgment, and make plans for the future.
More than 41% of all motor vehicle accidents involve alcohol. Over 17,000 lives are lost each year from this problem. Young inexperienced drivers are already at high risk for an auto collision without being under the influence. Nearly 25% of all alcohol related deaths involve teen drunk driving. It has been estimated that underage drinking costs the United States more than $58 billion dollars each year. This is enough money to buy a computer for every student in America. Also, studies show that teens who abuse alcohol are more likely to become dependent and suffer from alcoholism as an adult.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Cocaine Abuse Among Teens
Cocaine use among teens is not common. Only about 3.4% of 10th graders and 5.2% of 12th graders have used the drug in the past year. Plus, most of that usage is just experimental. However, cocaine is a highly addictive, illicit substance. Therefore, any teen cocaine use should be taken very seriously. Being familiar with the warning signs of cocaine use can be helpful when identifying a problem. Also, teens need to be educated about the dangers of this drug.
Bloodshot eyes, dramatic weight loss, motivation loss, mood swings, loss of appetite, depression, decreased performance at school, a change in friends, and the presence of drug paraphernalia are all signs that your teen may be using cocaine or other illegal drugs. Other signs include changes in sleeping patterns. People who use cocaine will often stay away for long periods of time, even days. Once they come down from the drug, it is not uncommon to crash or sleep for long periods of time. If your teen has an addiction to cocaine or any other drug, they may be constantly borrowing or even stealing money or other possessions to support their habit. Also, they often fall short of handling their responsibilities. Even their hygiene may become questionable.
Many teens do not realize the potential dangers that are associated with cocaine use. Although addiction is one of the biggest concerns, serious bodily injury and even death can occur from abusing this drug. Overdose can occur with even a small amount of cocaine and when the drug is combined with alcohol or other substances, it can quickly become lethal. Seizures, heart attack, respiratory problems, stroke, and brain damage have all been associated with cocaine use.
If your teen or someone you know is using cocaine, getting help is very important. The faster that the problem is recognized and treated, the higher the success rate of recovery. There are residential treatment centers and drug addiction therapists that work specifically with teenagers who struggle with drug abuse. The important thing is to seek professional help immediately.
Bloodshot eyes, dramatic weight loss, motivation loss, mood swings, loss of appetite, depression, decreased performance at school, a change in friends, and the presence of drug paraphernalia are all signs that your teen may be using cocaine or other illegal drugs. Other signs include changes in sleeping patterns. People who use cocaine will often stay away for long periods of time, even days. Once they come down from the drug, it is not uncommon to crash or sleep for long periods of time. If your teen has an addiction to cocaine or any other drug, they may be constantly borrowing or even stealing money or other possessions to support their habit. Also, they often fall short of handling their responsibilities. Even their hygiene may become questionable.
Many teens do not realize the potential dangers that are associated with cocaine use. Although addiction is one of the biggest concerns, serious bodily injury and even death can occur from abusing this drug. Overdose can occur with even a small amount of cocaine and when the drug is combined with alcohol or other substances, it can quickly become lethal. Seizures, heart attack, respiratory problems, stroke, and brain damage have all been associated with cocaine use.
If your teen or someone you know is using cocaine, getting help is very important. The faster that the problem is recognized and treated, the higher the success rate of recovery. There are residential treatment centers and drug addiction therapists that work specifically with teenagers who struggle with drug abuse. The important thing is to seek professional help immediately.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Teen Pregnancy
For a period of about 14 years, teen pregnancy seemed to be on a steady decline. However, as of lately, that trend seems to have come to an end. Unfortunately, teen pregnancy is on the rise again. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, there are 750,000 teen pregnancies annually. Eight in ten of these pregnancies are unintentional. However, almost all of them have a negative impact on the educational and socioeconomic aspects of these young girl's lives and create a negative plight on our nation as a whole. Plus, there are negative implications for the babies born to these mothers.
Pregnancy is the number one reason why teens drop out of school. Only 1/3 of teen mothers receive a high school diploma. Less than 2% of them obtain a college degree before the age of 30. Pregnant teens are more likely to fall into a low socioeconomic class and resort to welfare programs for support. In fact, nearly 80% of teen mothers end up on welfare. It is estimated that teen pregnancy costs the United States more than $7 billion dollars annually.
In addition to the problems it causes our economy, teen pregnancy is not good for the babies who are born to teen mothers. The children of teenage mothers are more likely to have a low birth weight, which can lead to developmental problems. They are also more likely to perform poorly in school, and are at greater risk for abuse and neglect. The sons of teenage mothers are 13% more likely to end up in prison, while the daughters of teenage moms are 33% more likely to become teen mothers themselves. These children are far more likely to suffer from poverty and are more susceptible to social and behavioral problems. Overall, it is not the best way to bring a child into this world.
Preventing teenage pregnancy is everyone's responsibility. Teens need to be educated on the realities of life as a teenage mom. Parents need to talk to their children, explaining the life altering ramifications of starting a family at a young age and alleviating any ideas that it may be glamorous. Teens should be encouraged to value their educational and personal goals and acknowledge future possibilities for growth and success. It is imperative that adolescence understand the importance of using birth control and are encouraged to have moral convictions towards abstinence.
Pregnancy is the number one reason why teens drop out of school. Only 1/3 of teen mothers receive a high school diploma. Less than 2% of them obtain a college degree before the age of 30. Pregnant teens are more likely to fall into a low socioeconomic class and resort to welfare programs for support. In fact, nearly 80% of teen mothers end up on welfare. It is estimated that teen pregnancy costs the United States more than $7 billion dollars annually.
In addition to the problems it causes our economy, teen pregnancy is not good for the babies who are born to teen mothers. The children of teenage mothers are more likely to have a low birth weight, which can lead to developmental problems. They are also more likely to perform poorly in school, and are at greater risk for abuse and neglect. The sons of teenage mothers are 13% more likely to end up in prison, while the daughters of teenage moms are 33% more likely to become teen mothers themselves. These children are far more likely to suffer from poverty and are more susceptible to social and behavioral problems. Overall, it is not the best way to bring a child into this world.
Preventing teenage pregnancy is everyone's responsibility. Teens need to be educated on the realities of life as a teenage mom. Parents need to talk to their children, explaining the life altering ramifications of starting a family at a young age and alleviating any ideas that it may be glamorous. Teens should be encouraged to value their educational and personal goals and acknowledge future possibilities for growth and success. It is imperative that adolescence understand the importance of using birth control and are encouraged to have moral convictions towards abstinence.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Teenage Prescription Drug Abuse
Overall, teen drug abuse is down nationwide. However prescription drug abuse is rising among the youth and seems to be their most popular choice of drug next to marijuana. According to a study performed by Partnership for a Drug Free America, one in five teens has abused prescription pain medications. Also one in five teens report abusing prescription stimulants and tranquilizers. Even more alarmingly, almost all teens will tell you that they have easy access to these drugs. In the teenage community, they are regarded as being safer that a lot of other drugs and used as the alternative. However, there are high risks associated with prescription drug abuse.
Among the prescription drugs that are abused by teens, the most common are pain killers, including Oxycontin, Loritab, Percocet, Percodan, and Vicadin. Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall, and benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin are also popular. All of these drugs physiologically alter the body’s natural ability to maintain balance and can cause adverse mental and physical health effects when abused. However, there is a growing trend in their popularity and teens are even participating in events called “pharm parties” where instead of bringing a present, they arrive with something from their parent’s medicine cabinet.
Although there are adverse health effects, and behavioral risks associated with using prescription pain killers, the most common problem is that addiction can occur. Due to the prevalence of these drugs and the fact that it is easy to use them discretely, many teens are developing dependencies. Often addiction to prescription pain medication leads to harder drug use. More than 60% of those who become addicted to Oxycontin will use the similar illicit drug, heroin, within 3 years.
Teens need to be educated about the ill effects of abusing prescription drugs. The government is cracking down on this crime with some steep penalties that may even involve punishing the parents. Store any prescription medications in a safe place, under lock. Also, be sure to talk to your kids about all drugs and keep an open line of communication.
Among the prescription drugs that are abused by teens, the most common are pain killers, including Oxycontin, Loritab, Percocet, Percodan, and Vicadin. Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall, and benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin are also popular. All of these drugs physiologically alter the body’s natural ability to maintain balance and can cause adverse mental and physical health effects when abused. However, there is a growing trend in their popularity and teens are even participating in events called “pharm parties” where instead of bringing a present, they arrive with something from their parent’s medicine cabinet.
Although there are adverse health effects, and behavioral risks associated with using prescription pain killers, the most common problem is that addiction can occur. Due to the prevalence of these drugs and the fact that it is easy to use them discretely, many teens are developing dependencies. Often addiction to prescription pain medication leads to harder drug use. More than 60% of those who become addicted to Oxycontin will use the similar illicit drug, heroin, within 3 years.
Teens need to be educated about the ill effects of abusing prescription drugs. The government is cracking down on this crime with some steep penalties that may even involve punishing the parents. Store any prescription medications in a safe place, under lock. Also, be sure to talk to your kids about all drugs and keep an open line of communication.
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