Marijuana use among teens is making a comeback. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the number of middle, junior high and high school students experimenting with the drug is the highest since the 1980s. And marijuana is the top reported drug of choice in teens being treated for addiction at Youth Eastside Services (YES).
When catastrophes strike and are covered widely by the news media, the barrage of tragic and disturbing images can overwhelm many adults. But for kids — from the very young to teenagers — it can be especially confusing and frightening.
Like the youth of the 1960’s who expressed themselves with long hair and funky clothes, today’s teens are using body marking to express their individuality. A piercing or tattoo is a way your teen says, “I’m growing up and making my own decisions, even if you don’t like it!”
When it comes to teens and substance abuse, the best prevention is being involved with your kid and educated about what’s out there. To this end, I wanted to share some of the highlights from a recent Drug Awareness & Prevention workshop we held at Youth Eastside Services.
The holidays are here, and with them come the upset of family routines. Schools out, parties abound and there are…
There’s a new drug trend among youth that parents should be aware of — an herbal and chemical product that…
As the third of five children, I learned to live in the middle, working both sides to my advantage and negotiating, always negotiating. Although we had a loving family, at times I remember feeling I wasn’t on my parents’ radar screen. I also remember some sibling fights coming to blows as our rivalries bubbled over into rage.
Suicide is always tragic. It represents pain and hopelessness so great that death appears to be the only way out….
