Troubled teens is a phrase that is nothing if not ambiguous in nature. It can mean many different things to different people.Typically troubled teen means a teenager who is struggling with school or with classes or who may be entering into preliminary or more deep explorations into drugs and alcohol.
These problems may be caused by a wide range of different issues. Home life, depression, peer pressure and other factors can all play into the trouble teen's set of issues. An unstable lifestyle, the wrong crowd and even ADHD can play into the problems and the things that are affecting the life of the teen.
No matter what the reason for the problems, finding a solution is imperative and as soon as possible. A teen who is a danger to himself or to others needs help now.
Parents, teachers and counselors have sought for alternative therapies to boot camps, specialty schools and other methods of teen treatment that are effective, but may not work for every troubled teen. One therapy that has consistently come to the forefront in teaching and treating troubled teens is animal assisted teen therapy.
Studies have consistently proven that spending time with a animal can help to decrease stress and to release endorphins that can assist in combating stresss and depression. For this reason, many counselors and even specialty schools for troubled teens will use animals to help them in therapy for teens. These animals are normally professionally trained to interact with the troubled teen and to help the counselor to reach them.
Because many teens are in a consistent state of stress, the use of animals can help to calm them and give them a chance to really think about their behavior. This time can be relatively short in duration, with even as little as ten to fifteen minutes a day being effective for some teens.
Animals that are involved include a wide array, with the most common being canine-dogs, or equine--horses.
If your teen is having problems at home or at school and you're not ready yet to seek out full time residential treatment, one method you may want to review is animal assisted therapy with a qualified counselor.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014
Confronting Teens About Alcohol Abuse
One of the toughest things you can do as a parent is to confront your teen about alcohol abuse. Underage drinking in the United States is a serious health problem. Not only does it pose issues on a community level, teen drinking can also be a major catalyst in the breakdown of normal family units.
As a parent, it can be hard to gauge when your teenagers drinking has become a serious problem, and when you should intervene. If you want your teen to get the best from their adolescence, without developing destructive habits that lead to poor life choices, then you need to confront them on these issues now.
Teenage Drinking – What are the Risks?
A study by the CDC in 2011 showed that at least 39% of teens had drank alcohol within the 30 day period surveyed. In itself, safe consumption of alcohol is not the problem (when it is supervised and controlled in certain circumstances). It’s the statistic of abuse that is most concerning. Up to 22% of teens were found to have binge drank at least once within the same survey period. Because we are talking about youths here under the age of 21, this is a very alarming figure.
Binge consumption and abuse of alcohol can lead to serious issues for a teenager.
Confronting your teen is the hardest thing to do, but it’s also the best thing that you could do. Left unchecked your teenager could spiral out of control. We all want to give our teens freedoms, but sometimes too much is not the best method.
Never confront your teen while you suspect they are intoxicated. No matter how upset you are, don’t be tempted to intervene during this time. Allow some time for you to clear your head and for your teenager to become sober. This will allow for a more balanced conversation from your side, and a more receptive teen.
Explain why their behavior is unacceptable and dangerous. Teens are going through an important stage of brain development and alcohol abuse could lead to serious mental conditions. Their health is important to you, and it should be to them too. So stress this part.
Teens should also be aware of the legal consequences of alcohol. Without creating an excessive element of fear, make your teen aware of the legal issues from illegally obtaining alcohol, to possible DUI’s and arrests related to alcohol consumption.
Above all, let them know how their behavior is making you feel. If it’s affecting the rest of the family, they need to know this. Teenagers don’t have the life experience to make the best choices yet. Knowing the consequences and effects on others resulting from drinking might be enough to make them reconsider their behavior.
When things become too much, parents often need the help of an external counsellor or behavioral modification program. Don’t be afraid to make use of external sources. You could even enroll your teenager in to a troubled youth program.
Choices teens make now can affect the rest of their lives. Because they’re not always able to make the best decisions, it’s your responsibility as a parent to provide all of the necessary guidance and support that you can.
As a parent, it can be hard to gauge when your teenagers drinking has become a serious problem, and when you should intervene. If you want your teen to get the best from their adolescence, without developing destructive habits that lead to poor life choices, then you need to confront them on these issues now.
Teenage Drinking – What are the Risks?
A study by the CDC in 2011 showed that at least 39% of teens had drank alcohol within the 30 day period surveyed. In itself, safe consumption of alcohol is not the problem (when it is supervised and controlled in certain circumstances). It’s the statistic of abuse that is most concerning. Up to 22% of teens were found to have binge drank at least once within the same survey period. Because we are talking about youths here under the age of 21, this is a very alarming figure.
Binge consumption and abuse of alcohol can lead to serious issues for a teenager.
- Development of depression, and other mental conditions.
- A withdrawal from interpersonal relationships as teens develop a regular habit.
- Decline in academic performance.
- A lack of motivation.
- Poor decision making skills while under the influence leading to crime, risky activities like driving under the influence, or being a passenger with those under the influence.
- Problems with memory, intellectual function, and brain development.
- Higher risk of suicide.
- Higher chance of experimenting with illegal drugs.
Confronting your teen is the hardest thing to do, but it’s also the best thing that you could do. Left unchecked your teenager could spiral out of control. We all want to give our teens freedoms, but sometimes too much is not the best method.
Never confront your teen while you suspect they are intoxicated. No matter how upset you are, don’t be tempted to intervene during this time. Allow some time for you to clear your head and for your teenager to become sober. This will allow for a more balanced conversation from your side, and a more receptive teen.
Explain why their behavior is unacceptable and dangerous. Teens are going through an important stage of brain development and alcohol abuse could lead to serious mental conditions. Their health is important to you, and it should be to them too. So stress this part.
Teens should also be aware of the legal consequences of alcohol. Without creating an excessive element of fear, make your teen aware of the legal issues from illegally obtaining alcohol, to possible DUI’s and arrests related to alcohol consumption.
Above all, let them know how their behavior is making you feel. If it’s affecting the rest of the family, they need to know this. Teenagers don’t have the life experience to make the best choices yet. Knowing the consequences and effects on others resulting from drinking might be enough to make them reconsider their behavior.
When things become too much, parents often need the help of an external counsellor or behavioral modification program. Don’t be afraid to make use of external sources. You could even enroll your teenager in to a troubled youth program.
Choices teens make now can affect the rest of their lives. Because they’re not always able to make the best decisions, it’s your responsibility as a parent to provide all of the necessary guidance and support that you can.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Locating the Most Suitable Alternative School for My Teenager
Picking out a boarding school for your child is difficult. you need to have an open mind when selecting a troubled teen school. First, visit each of the schools that you have selected for your child. In general, they will not be how you envision a traditional school to be.
Make sure that you understand everything that goes on at this school. Don't be afraid to get answers for any questions that you might have. But, make sure you talk to the schools and possibly a government oversight department. Random complaints and mean spirited blog posts are all over the internet and most of them are fake; put there by competition or disgruntled employees. This is about your child, so you need to get as much info as possible. If possible, get there early so that you have the chance to ask all of the questions that you want. Get as much information as you can about how the school operates and what it teaches its students. Most importantly, determine how they will discipline your child if she misbehaves. Unfortunately, you might not like the answers that the school gives you.
Learn what the school specializes in. Some schools specialize in helping students who have certain medical conditions. Some do not have a specified medical staff and you will need to know this if your teen has specific medical conditions. Determine if the school can counsel your child and help her to improve her self esteem and become a better person. Does the school know how to deal with drug usage? If your child has more than one or more medical or mental issues, does this school know how to take care of all of them? Learn all about the rate of return. Does the school provide a list of children who have completed the program? Inquire if you can speak to some of the parents of children who has successfully completed the program. If you know the rate of success for each school, this will help you to make the right choice for your troubled teen.
With the right school, your child will have the right help for her emotional or physical problems. Your child will probably need counseling and there are different strategies to choose from. Make sure that your child gets plenty of one on one counseling and that there are plenty of methods to choose from in order to deal with your child's issues.
You will need a school that has both medical and counseling staff, so make sure that these things are accessible.
Asking the right questions and inspecting the operations of your chosen school will ensure that you choose the best boarding school for your problematic teenager. Your troubled teen needs to get the proper care and attention, which is why it is important that you pick the right school. Narrow down your schools of choice and make sure that they have everything that your child will need.
Make sure that you understand everything that goes on at this school. Don't be afraid to get answers for any questions that you might have. But, make sure you talk to the schools and possibly a government oversight department. Random complaints and mean spirited blog posts are all over the internet and most of them are fake; put there by competition or disgruntled employees. This is about your child, so you need to get as much info as possible. If possible, get there early so that you have the chance to ask all of the questions that you want. Get as much information as you can about how the school operates and what it teaches its students. Most importantly, determine how they will discipline your child if she misbehaves. Unfortunately, you might not like the answers that the school gives you.
Learn what the school specializes in. Some schools specialize in helping students who have certain medical conditions. Some do not have a specified medical staff and you will need to know this if your teen has specific medical conditions. Determine if the school can counsel your child and help her to improve her self esteem and become a better person. Does the school know how to deal with drug usage? If your child has more than one or more medical or mental issues, does this school know how to take care of all of them? Learn all about the rate of return. Does the school provide a list of children who have completed the program? Inquire if you can speak to some of the parents of children who has successfully completed the program. If you know the rate of success for each school, this will help you to make the right choice for your troubled teen.
With the right school, your child will have the right help for her emotional or physical problems. Your child will probably need counseling and there are different strategies to choose from. Make sure that your child gets plenty of one on one counseling and that there are plenty of methods to choose from in order to deal with your child's issues.
You will need a school that has both medical and counseling staff, so make sure that these things are accessible.
Asking the right questions and inspecting the operations of your chosen school will ensure that you choose the best boarding school for your problematic teenager. Your troubled teen needs to get the proper care and attention, which is why it is important that you pick the right school. Narrow down your schools of choice and make sure that they have everything that your child will need.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
The Pinnacle Schools Reviews Teen Heroin Abuse
Heroin is considered to be one of the most addictive drugs
readily available on the streets. If an overdose is experienced, the
individual experiencing the complication is likely to die from the use
of this toxic substance. We recently observed a popular Canadian actor
and talented musician named Cory Monteith pass away in a hotel room in
Vancouver by a heroin and alcohol overdose. This talented young man was
best known for a role that he played in the television series, “Glee”.
Many people mistakenly believe that heroin users only reside and work in
Hollywood, but that could not be farther from the truth. This type of
drug use is widespread.
The treatment program known as the Elk River Treatment Program specializes in treating kids from 12 to 18 that are experiencing the complications of heroin addiction, and addiction to other types of drugs. In addition to this, the specialists in the program help kids that are suffering from mental illness and have behavior problems. The center has seen an increase in heroin use among kids due to the fact that the substance is one of the cheapest opiates available on the market. Heroin is produced from the substance, morphine, and is cut using several toxic substances. As a result, it is considered to be highly potent.
Heroin has the ability to enter into the brain very fast. This is one of the reasons that individuals may become addicted to the substance so quickly. It has been estimated that, for every four people that try this drug, one becomes addicted. When individuals stop taking the drug, they experience dangerous withdrawal effects which push them back into using – so that they do not suffer from the bone pain, the immense vomiting, and even gastrointestinal complications. This is where the Elk River Treatment Program steps in – they assist in treating the underlying addiction, reducing the effects of the withdrawals, and helping the teen resist future urges. If your family has been suffering from the effects of a heroin addiction, Elk River can help.
The treatment program known as the Elk River Treatment Program specializes in treating kids from 12 to 18 that are experiencing the complications of heroin addiction, and addiction to other types of drugs. In addition to this, the specialists in the program help kids that are suffering from mental illness and have behavior problems. The center has seen an increase in heroin use among kids due to the fact that the substance is one of the cheapest opiates available on the market. Heroin is produced from the substance, morphine, and is cut using several toxic substances. As a result, it is considered to be highly potent.
Heroin has the ability to enter into the brain very fast. This is one of the reasons that individuals may become addicted to the substance so quickly. It has been estimated that, for every four people that try this drug, one becomes addicted. When individuals stop taking the drug, they experience dangerous withdrawal effects which push them back into using – so that they do not suffer from the bone pain, the immense vomiting, and even gastrointestinal complications. This is where the Elk River Treatment Program steps in – they assist in treating the underlying addiction, reducing the effects of the withdrawals, and helping the teen resist future urges. If your family has been suffering from the effects of a heroin addiction, Elk River can help.
Why it is Important to Stay in Your Child’s Business
Kids, especially teens, have many different electronic devices that they use to communicate with others. Due to the advancement of technology, children have a lot more freedom and can hide things online and in other places where parents cannot see them. The bad thing is that children of all ages can hide things, no matter how young they might be. As a result, it is easy for devious adults to target unsuspecting children. There are many people who will try to take advantage of our children and trick them into giving out personal information that they should have locked down. Your child also may be the victim of cyber bullying, or may be the cyber bully.
There are adults who like to prey on innocent children. There are even teenagers who have devious intentions and have gotten personal info from children. They have also gotten pictures that should have never been seen by others. These pictures may have been very personal. Knowing what your children are sharing with others on their phones and on the internet is a huge part of being a good parent in this day and age.
In order to do this you might have to do some things that they do not like. This means inspecting their online and phone accounts from time to time. You can do this while actually logged into their accounts or just viewing the information that is on their accounts. You have to know what your children are sharing on the social media sites.
Your children might think that you are invading their privacy. They will most definitely dislike when you check their phone and internet history. You can always just install private software that stops them from sharing certain information with others. There is some software of this nature that will not let you to send an address via phone numbers. This helps a little bit. But, if someone wants to do wrong they will find a way to do it and children are no exception. Make it a point to check your child’s phone to make sure that you know what he or she is sharing with others.
You have to tell your child what you are doing. You also have to perform your checks on a frequent basis. Know who their existing friends are. Also, be aware of how they are communicating with and staying in contact with these friends. Know what type of information is being transferred. Talk to your children and try to meet and talk to their friends as well. This will give you a chance to find out more about their friends.
It is imperative that you are an active part of your children’s lives. Keep up with their friends. Know what is going on in your children’s lives. Talk to them and make sure that they are safe. Understand that the only way to do this will involve making unpopular decisions, but this is what a good parent does.
There are adults who like to prey on innocent children. There are even teenagers who have devious intentions and have gotten personal info from children. They have also gotten pictures that should have never been seen by others. These pictures may have been very personal. Knowing what your children are sharing with others on their phones and on the internet is a huge part of being a good parent in this day and age.
In order to do this you might have to do some things that they do not like. This means inspecting their online and phone accounts from time to time. You can do this while actually logged into their accounts or just viewing the information that is on their accounts. You have to know what your children are sharing on the social media sites.
Your children might think that you are invading their privacy. They will most definitely dislike when you check their phone and internet history. You can always just install private software that stops them from sharing certain information with others. There is some software of this nature that will not let you to send an address via phone numbers. This helps a little bit. But, if someone wants to do wrong they will find a way to do it and children are no exception. Make it a point to check your child’s phone to make sure that you know what he or she is sharing with others.
You have to tell your child what you are doing. You also have to perform your checks on a frequent basis. Know who their existing friends are. Also, be aware of how they are communicating with and staying in contact with these friends. Know what type of information is being transferred. Talk to your children and try to meet and talk to their friends as well. This will give you a chance to find out more about their friends.
It is imperative that you are an active part of your children’s lives. Keep up with their friends. Know what is going on in your children’s lives. Talk to them and make sure that they are safe. Understand that the only way to do this will involve making unpopular decisions, but this is what a good parent does.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
What is a Struggling Teen?
The phrase struggling teen is quite often one that we can't
define. Many parents feel that their own child may be having problems or might
be struggling in some aspects, but they hesitate to broach the subject with the
teen. Usually one or more indicating factors stand out that will finally cause
them to have a conversation with the teen about their outlook or their
problems.
Teens tend to be less than forthcoming with parents in many
cases. This is a case of wanting to be more independent and of building their
own small society of friends and learning to depend on themselves. That can be
a positive thing when it is not an out of control issue that prevents the teen
from coming to the parent with a problem that may be taking place.
How will you as a parent know if your teen is struggling in
some way? The term struggling teen typically brings with it some signs that you
as a parent can see and which will be warming signs that you may have a
problem.
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