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Giada’s article on teen issues : “drug use” 

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Giada’s article on teen issues : “drug use” 

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https://www.verywellfamily.com/startling-facts-about-todays-teenagers-2608914

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Students' Questionnaire

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Edpuzzle video lesson. Make any video your lesson. Take a video and crop it, add your voice or embed questions at any point.

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https://www.stopbullying.gov/what-is-bullying/index.html

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Giorgia P. ‘s article on “teen issues”: bullying 

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Giorgia P. ‘s article on “teen issues”: bullying 

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https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bullies.html

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ARTICLE PRESENTATION: INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENTS: in order to learn how to describe and present and article from a newspaper, a magazine, a blog or a website, try to reflect on your choice and respond to the following questions:

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ARTICLE PRESENTATION: INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENTS: in order to learn how to describe and present and article from a newspaper, a magazine, a blog or a website, try to reflect on your choice and respond to the following questions:

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💡 What is the article like?
Is it quite long and complex or is it short, readable and easy to understand?
Is the article very useful and informative?
💡 What is the article about/what does the article deal with?
💡How many paragraphs is the article made up of?
💡What does each paragraph look like?

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TEACHER'S MATERIAL: describing an Article (PET Preparation)

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TEACHER'S MATERIAL: describing an Article (PET Preparation)

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A short and easy questionnaire that can help you to focus on the main features of an article and get ready to describe it!

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Elena’s article on “teen issues: alcohol abuse

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Elena’s article on “teen issues: alcohol abuse

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https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/alcohol-teenagers

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https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/20/lens/they-body-shamed-her-online-then-this-photographer-struck-back.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FBullies&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=collection

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Erin’s article on “teen iussues”: teenage suicides”

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Erin’s article on “teen iussues”: teenage suicides”

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https://www.ilgazzettino.it/nordest/udine/travolto_treno_muore_ragazzo_19anni_gemona_friuli-3672785.html

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Chiara B’s article on “eating disorders”

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Chiara B’s article on “eating disorders”

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What is an Eating Disorder: Types, Symptoms, Risks, and Causes

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Eating disorders are serious mental and physical illnesses that involve complex and damaging relationships with food, eating, exercise, and body image.

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https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/self-injury/self-injury-cutting-cutting-yourself-to-relieve-emotional-pain

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https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/teen-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20350985

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This article helps define bullying, offers statistics on teenage bullying, discusses the effects of teenage bullying, and offers tips on preventing or reducing bullying amongst teens. Keep reading to learn the many different ways teenagers are bullying one another.

Many people retain horrible memories of high school, in large part due to the bullying they experienced. Teenage bullying is a very real problem in schools. And it isn't always physical. There are many different types of bullying, including verbal and emotional bullying. These types of bullying, though more subtle than physical bullying, can still have a large impact on a student. Additionally, with the Internet now becoming a huge part of many teens' lives, it is no surprise that cyber bullying is seeing an increase.
What is bullying?
Bullying includes behaviors that focus on making someone else feel inadequate, or focus on belittling someone else. Bullying includes harassment, physical harm, repeatedly demeaning speech and efforts to ostracize another person. Bullying is active, and is done with the intention of bringing another person down. It is important to realize that there are different kinds of bullying:

Physical Bullying: This is the most obvious form of bullying. In this type of bullying, the instigator attempts to physically dominate another teen. This usually includes kicking, punching and other physically harmful activities, designed to instill fear in the one bullied, and possible coerce him or her to do something.

Verbal Bullying: When someone verbally bullies another, he or she uses demeaning language to tear down another's self-image. Bullies who use verbal techniques excessively tease others, say belittling things and use a great deal of sarcasm with the intent to hurt the other person's feelings or humiliate the other teen in front of others.

Emotional: This is even more subtle than verbal bullying. Teenage bullying that includes emotional methods aims at getting someone else to feel isolated, alone and may even prompt depression. This type of bullying is designed to get others to ostracize the person being bullied.

Cyber Bullying: Electronic bullying is becoming a very real problem for teens. This type of bullying uses instant messaging, cell phone text messages and online social networks to humiliate and embarrass others. This can be especially devastating to the people being bullied, since they cannot even find a safe place in the virtual world.

Is teenage bullying common?
According to statistics from Family First Aid, about 30 percent of teenagers in the U.S. have been involved in bullying, either as a bully or as a victim of teenage bullying. Data suggests that teenage bullying is more common among younger teens than it is among older teens. However, it may be that young teens are more prone to physical bullying, which is easier to identify, and that older teens are more sophisticated in methods of bullying that are not always exactly identified as such.

Physical bullying is more common among boys, and teenage girls often favor verbal and emotional bullying. Indeed, while boys report that they are more likely to be involved in physical altercations, girls report that they are often the targets of nasty rumors - especially involving sexual gossip. Additionally, girls are more likely to use exclusion as a teenage bullying technique than boys are.
What are some of the effects of teenage bullying?
There are a number of effects that come with teenage bullying. First of all, there are the obvious physical problems and injuries that can result from physical bullying. However, emotional, verbal and cyber bullying can deeply affect teens as well. These activities can lead to depression (and even suicide), drug use and stunted social development. These are problems that can affect a person well into adulthood.

Another problem can be that of retaliation. In some cases, bullied teens have violent fantasies of attacking their tormentors. There are instances in which these teens become violent, turning on their classmates in order to get revenge. This can be a cause of heartbreak and difficulty.
Reducing teenage bullying
It is very difficult to address teen bullying. However, there are some things that can help discourage bullying situations. Teens should be encouraged to seek friends, in person and online, who are supportive and kind. They should try to move in groups if possible, since bullies most often single out those who are alone.

Also, it is important to have teachers and other adult authorities present when possible to discourage bullying behavior. You can also talk to bullies about more appropriate behavior, and hope that they are willing to listen.

In the end, it is difficult to totally prevent teenage bullying - especially if it is verbal, emotional or cyber bullying. You should encourage good efforts to reduce bullying, and let victims see that you are involved in these efforts. The best thing you can do is be encouraging to bullying victims and try to help them get through this tough time as unscathed as possible.

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This article helps define bullying, offers statistics on teenage bullying, discusses the effects of teenage bullying, and offers tips on preventing or reducing bullying amongst teens. Keep reading to learn the many different ways teenagers are bullying one another. Many people retain horrible memories of high school, in large part due to the bullying they experienced.

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https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/overcoming-self-sabotage/201001/cutting-escape-emotional-pain%3Famp&ved=2ahUKEwjOusyW6u7dAhVBqCwKHdIQAtYQFjAAegQIBxAB&usg=AOvVaw1h29m4mCFFmRkOHRsnqfMz&ampcf=1

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https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/21/nyregion/student-suicide-new-jersey.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/21/nyregion/student-suicide-new-jersey.html

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https://youtu.be/PvVal3djX7A

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What your child is worrying about: top teenage issues

The teenage years are a time of rapid growth and change, physically, mentally and socially. For some teenagers, change can be scary, whereas others take it in their stride.

Also, teenagers often have to make early decisions about school subjects, study, careers and work. In fact, many teenagers feel that their secondary school marks decide their whole future - that's a lot of pressure.

If you add economic change, job security, globalisation and mental health to the usual teenage issues, it's not surprising that your child sometimes feels quite worried.

Mission Australia's 2017 National Survey of Young Australians aged 15-19 found that the top teenage issues are:

It's normal for teenagers to have worries and fears. Treating every worry as a big problem can do more harm than good. If you do, your child might start to see the world as unsafe and dangerous. Not all worries need professional help.

When to be concerned about your child

Signs of anxiety
When worries won't go away, get worse or interfere with your child's daily life, this could be a sign that your child is struggling with anxiety.

Here are some signs that your child might need some help with anxiety:

Worries that won't go away: this is when your child is feeling 'on edge' or 'wound up' most of the time, is generally worried about a lot of things for no clear reason, or can't relax.

Worries that get worse over time: this is when your child avoids situations or people, feels panicky in some situations, has bad thoughts that are hard to control, or has physical symptoms like increased sweating, fast heartbeat, headaches, stomach cramps, nausea, rapid breathing or diarrhoea.

Worries that interfere with daily life: this is when your child stops being able to do things that he used to do because of fear and anxiety, or you feel that your child's reactions are stopping him from enjoying everyday things.

Signs of depression
It's normal for young people to go through ups and downs. But if your child feels angry, guilty, sad or cranky more than usual, she could be suffering from depression.

Your child might need help with depression if he's behaving in the following ways for most of the time or for more than two weeks. Your child:

feels like giving up a lot of the time

has significant and regular trouble sleeping

is regularly behaving in ways that aren't like him - for example, he's getting into trouble, having difficulty with schoolwork, isolating himself or fighting.

Depression probably won't go away by itself, and it's a good idea to seek professional help. You and your child could start by talking to your GP.

How to help your child with teenage issues and worries

You can help with your child's worrying by making sure that she feels loved, safe and trusted. Here are some ideas.

Showing your child that you're trying to understand how he feels can be a good way to start. Using 'I' statements is a good way to talk about your thoughts and feelings. For example, 'I've noticed that you seem to have a lot on your mind lately. I'm happy to talk or listen and see if I can help'.

Staying connected to your child can help her feel safe and secure as she meets the challenges of adolescence. One way to do this is to have family meals together as often as you can. This type of family ritual creates routine and also gives you a way to keep up to date with what's happening in your child's life.

Showing that you trust and have confidence in your child can help him manage his worries. You can show trust by praising your child for putting plans into action and not giving up in stressful situations.

Positive messages from you can let your child know that you care for her and can help her feel secure and understood. You could try a warm hug, a smile, an arm over the shoulder, a light touch on the arm, a nod or a wink.

Try to avoid labelling your child as 'a worrier'. It's better to support him and praise the positive steps he's taking to overcome his worries.

What you do and say can guide your child's thinking and behaviour. You can try to be a good role model for your child by managing your own worry and stress in positive ways. Doing some exercise, taking time to rest and talking things over with your partner or a friend can all help if you're feeling stressed.

Your child needs your support and encouragement for learning, but it probably won't help if you put extra pressure on her to get high academic results. Sharing her excitement when she tries something new - and being supportive when she doesn't master it the first time - will encourage her to keep trying.

Exercises and activities to help with teenage issues

Managing worrying thoughts is an important life skill. Here are some activities and exercises that your child can use now and in the future.

Managing worrying thoughts
This activity helps your child notice worrying thoughts and stop them getting in the way. But remember worry and stress is normal and helps to keep us motivated. Try to be supportive, thoughtful and warm while you help your child manage his thinking:

1. If a particular event is very worrying for your child, first get her to say or write down a few thoughts about the event. For example, 'I'm going to fail the maths exam', 'I'm really bad at maths'.

2. Talk together about how it's normal to have thoughts like that. Recognise that the thoughts aren't very nice or helpful and that they can get worse if your child focuses on them too much.

3. Acknowledge the negative thoughts, but don't let them stop your child from doing what he needs to do. For example, 'I'm not going to pay attention to those thoughts right now. They're not going to stop me. I've done plenty of preparation for the exam and I can only do my best'.

This exercise needs practice. You can encourage your child to manage her worrying thoughts and get on with what she needs to do by praising her for having a go.

Positive thinking
If your child spends too much time thinking about negative events, it can lead to worry and stress. Appreciation, gratitude and positive thinking exercises can get your child in the habit of spending more time thinking about what has gone well and why.

Your child could write down three things he's grateful for or that went well in his day. They don't have to be big things. It might be hearing a bird sing outside, enjoying a sunny day, or spending time with a favourite person or pet. Helping your child notice these small things can increase his happiness and wellbeing.

Parenting teenagers can be stressful. You'll be in good shape to care for your teenage child if you look after yourself. You could also get support from other parents and share ideas and experiences by joining an online or a face-to-face support group.

Where to go for help with teenage issues

Your child might need your help to contact a professional.

You could encourage your child to visit the GP, who might be able to refer her to an adolescent psychologist. Your child could also talk over her worries with the school counsellor - school counsellors have specialist training in child and adolescent mental health. Spiritual leaders or elders and youth workers (if your child goes to a local youth centre) can also help.

There are mental health services and resources for teenagers throughout Australia. These services can provide information and support for your child.

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The teenage years are a time of rapid growth and change, physically, mentally and socially. For some teenagers, change can be scary, whereas others take it in their stride. Also, teenagers often have to make early decisions about school subjects, study, careers and work.

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Giorgia’s article on “teenagers suicides”

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Giorgia’s article on “teenagers suicides”

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https://pordenone.diariodelweb.it/pordenone/articolo/?nid=20180302-491687

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http://www.healthyteenproject.com/adolescent-eating-disorders-ca

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Megi’s article on “teen issues”: “peer pressure”

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Megi’s article on “teen issues”: “peer pressure”

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https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/peer-pressure.html
https://www.udinetoday.it/cronaca/morta-ragazza-droga-stazione-udine-indagini.html

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Alessandra ‘s article on “anorexia nervosa “ 

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Alessandra ‘s article on “anorexia nervosa “ 

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Focus on anorexia nervosa: modern psychological treatment and guidelin | AHMT

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Focus on anorexia nervosa: modern psychological treatment and guidelines for the adolescent patient Jonathan Espie,1 Ivan Eisler2 1Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders Service, Michael Rutter Centre, South London and Maudsley Hospital Foundation NHS Trust, 2Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK Abstract: Anorexia nervosa is a serious condition associated with high mortality.

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Oriana’s article on “teen issues” : suicide among teens  - https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/suicide.html

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Oriana’s article on “teen issues” : suicide among teens  - https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/suicide.html

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Suicide is when someone dies on purpose. A young person dying because of overwhelming hopelessness or frustration is devastating to family, friends, and community. Parents, siblings, classmates, coaches, and neighbors might be left wondering if they could have done something to prevent that young person from turning to suicide.

If you're worried about your teen or another child, take it seriously and talk to them right away. You also can turn to these resources for 24/7 help:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text CONNECT to 741741. You also can contact them through their website.

Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ community: 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678. You can also contact them through their website.

These toll-free lines are staffed by people who are trained to help. The calls are confidential. If necessary, call 911 for immediate help.

Note: In 2020, the FCC established 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit phone number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. All phone service providers must direct 988 calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022.

Why Do Teens Consider Suicide?

Learning more about what might lead a teen to suicide may help prevent further tragedies.

The reasons behind a teen's suicide or attempted suicide can be complex. Although suicide is relatively rare among children, the rate of suicides and suicide attempts increases greatly during adolescence.

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after accidents and homicide.

It's also thought that many more attempts are made for every completed teen suicide.

The risk of suicide increases greatly when kids and teens have access to firearms at home, and nearly 60% of all suicides in the United States are committed with a gun. That's why any guns in your home should be unloaded, locked, and kept out of the reach of children and teens.

Overdose using over-the-counter, prescription, and non-prescription medicine is also a very common risk for attempting and completing suicide. It's important to monitor carefully all medicines in your home. Know that teens will "trade" different prescription medicines at school and carry them (or store them) in their locker or backpack.

Suicide rates differ between boys and girls. Girls think about and attempt suicide about twice as often as boys, and tend to attempt suicide by overdosing on drugs or cutting themselves. Yet boys die by suicide about four times as often girls, and experts think this is because they tend to use more lethal methods.

Which Teens Are at Risk for Suicide?

It can be hard to remember how it felt to be a teen, caught in that gray area between childhood and adulthood. Sure, it's a time of tremendous possibility, but it also can be a period of stress and worry. There's pressure to fit in socially, to perform academically, and to act responsibly.

Adolescence is also a time of sexual identity and relationships and a need for independence that often conflicts with the rules and expectations set by others.

Young people with mental health problems - such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or insomnia - are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts. Teens going through major life changes (parents' divorce, moving, a parent leaving home due to military service or parental separation, financial changes) and those who are bullied are at greater risk of suicidal thoughts.

Things that increase the risk of suicide among teens include:

a psychological disorder, especially depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug use (in fact, about 95% of people who die by suicide have a psychological disorder at the time of death)

feelings of distress, irritability, or agitation

feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness that often come with depression

a previous suicide attempt

a family history of depression or suicide

emotional, physical, or sexual abuse

lack of a support network, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of social isolation

struggling with their gender identity and/or sexuality in an unsupportive family or community

What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide?

Suicide among teens often happens after a stressful life event, such as problems at school, a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a major family conflict.

Teens who are thinking about suicide might:

talk about suicide or death in general

give hints that they might not be around anymore

talk about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty

pull away from friends or family

write songs, poems, or letters about death, separation, and loss

start giving away treasured possessions to siblings or friends

lose the desire to take part in favorite things or activities

have trouble concentrating or thinking clearly

have changes in eating or sleeping habits

engage in risk-taking behaviors

lose interest in school or sports

What Can Parents Do?

Many teens who die by or attempt suicide have given some type of warning to loved ones ahead of time. So it's important for parents to know the warning signs so teens who might be suicidal can get the help they need.

Even though it's not always preventable, it's always a good idea to be informed and take action to help a troubled teenager.

Some adults feel that kids who say they are going to hurt or kill themselves are "just doing it for attention." It's important to realize that if teens are ignored when seeking attention, it may increase the chance of them harming themselves.

Getting attention in the form of ER visits, doctor's appointments, and residential treatment generally is not something teens want - unless they're seriously depressed and thinking about suicide or at least wishing they were dead. It's important to see warning signs as serious, not as "attention-seeking" to be ignored.

Watch and Listen

Keep a close eye on a teen who is depressed and withdrawn. Understanding depression in teens is very important because it can look different from commonly held beliefs about depression. For example, it may take the form of problems with friends, grades, sleep, or being cranky and irritable rather than chronic sadness or crying.

Try to keep the lines of communication open and express your concern, support, and love. If your teen confides in you, show that you take those concerns seriously. A fight with a friend might not seem like a big deal to you, but for a teen it can feel immense and consuming. Don't minimize or ignore what your teen is going through, as this can increase their sense of hopelessness.

If your teen doesn't feel comfortable talking with you, suggest a more neutral person, such as another relative, a clergy member, a coach, a school counselor, or your child's doctor.

Ask Questions

Some parents are reluctant to ask teens if they have been thinking about suicide or hurting themselves. Some fear that by asking, they will plant the idea of suicide in their teen's head.

It's always a good idea to ask, even though it can be hard. Sometimes it helps to explain why you're asking. For instance, you might say: "I've noticed that you've been talking a lot about wanting to be dead. Have you been having thoughts about trying to kill yourself?"

How Can We Get Help?

If you learn that your child is thinking about suicide, get help right away. Your doctor can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist, or your local hospital's department of psychiatry can give you a list of doctors in your area. Your local mental health association or county medical society can also provide references. In an emergency, call 1-800-273-8255.

If your teen is in a crisis situation, your local emergency room can do a psychiatric evaluation and refer you to the right resources. If you're unsure about whether you should bring your child to the emergency room, call your doctor.

If you've scheduled a visit with a mental health professional, keep the appointment, even if your teen says they're feeling better or won't go. Suicidal thoughts do tend to come and go. But your teen needs help to develop the skills needed to keep suicidal thoughts and behaviors under control during a crisis.

If your teen won't go to the visit, tell the mental health professional. By going to the session and working with the clinician yourself, you'll maintain access to the help your child needs. The clinician also can discuss ways that might help your teen agree to get help.

Remember that conflicts between a parent and child can make things worse for teens who feel isolated, misunderstood, devalued, or suicidal. Get help for family problems and resolve them in a healthy way. Tell the mental health professional if your family has a history of depression, substance abuse, or domestic violence. Talk about any other stresses at home, such as an ongoing environment of criticism.

If You've Lost a Child to Suicide

For parents, the death of a child is the most painful loss imaginable. For parents who've lost a child to suicide, the pain and grief can be intensified. These feelings may never completely go away. But survivors of suicide can take steps to begin the healing process:

Keep in contact with others. Suicide can be isolating for surviving family members because friends often don't know what to say or how to help. Find supportive people to talk with about your child and your feelings. If those around you seem uncomfortable about reaching out, start the conversation and ask for their help.

Remember that your other family members are grieving too, and that everyone expresses grief in their own way. Your other children, in particular, may try to deal with their pain alone so as not to burden you. Be there for each other through the tears, anger, and silences - and, if necessary, get help and support together.

Expect that anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays may be hard. Important days and holidays often reawaken a sense of loss and anxiety. On those days, do what's best for your emotional needs, whether that means surrounding yourself with family and friends or planning a quiet day of reflection.

Understand that it's normal to feel guilty and to question how this could have happened. But it's also important to realize that you might never get the answers you seek. The healing that takes place over time comes from reaching a point of forgiveness - for both your child and yourself.

Counseling and support groups can play a huge role in helping you realize you are not alone. Sometimes, bereaved family members become part of the suicide prevention network that helps parents, teenagers, and schools learn how to help prevent future tragedies.

Helping Teens Cope With Loss

What should you do if someone your teen knows has attempted or died by suicide? First, acknowledge your child's many emotions. Some teens say they feel guilty - especially those who felt they could have interpreted their friend's actions and words better.

Others say they feel angry with the person who committed or attempted suicide for having done something selfish. Still others say they feel no strong emotions or don't know how to express how they feel. Reassure your child that there is no right or wrong way to feel, and that it's OK to talk about it when they're ready.

When someone attempts suicide and survives, people might be afraid of or uncomfortable talking with them about it. Tell your teen to resist this urge - this is a time when a person needs to feel connected to others.

Many schools address a student's suicide by calling in special counselors to talk with the students and help them cope. If your teen is dealing with a friend or classmate's suicide, encourage them to use resources or to talk to you or another trusted adult.

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Suicide is when someone dies on purpose. A young person dying because of overwhelming hopelessness or frustration is devastating to family, friends, and community. Parents, siblings, classmates, coaches, and neighbors might be left wondering if they could have done something to prevent that young person from turning to suicide.

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Recent government studies have indicated that American teens rampantly abuse both illicit and pharmaceutical drugs. While many young people simply experiment with drugs, about 8% of them develop an addiction. Once teen drug addiction takes root, your child is at a higher risk for social problems, early death and a litany of other serious issues.

Most Common Drugs Used by Teenagers

Teens tend to use whatever substances they can access. According to 2014 University of Michigan research, these are the drugs that 12th graders most commonly use:

In many cases, teen drug and alcohol abuse happen because kids know what experimenting can do:

Marijuana - This drug, which is known for providing a relaxing high to users, has undergone significant changes in its consumption methods. Today, teens use marijuana not only by smoking it but also through edibles, pills and vaporizers; 34.9% of high school seniors use this drug at least once per year.

Adderall - This stimulant is prescribed for ADHD patients, providing sharper focus and heightened attention levels. Teen Adderall abuse is popular in high schools and college campuses because of the belief that the drug can give a necessary boost in school; 7.5% of high school seniors use this drug at least once per year.

Synthetic Marijuana - Also known as "spice" or "K2," synthetic marijuana does not contain THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) but produces relaxing, euphoric effects similar to those of traditional marijuana. It can also induce psychotic episodes that plague users with extreme anxiety, paranoia and confusion; 5.2% of high school seniors use this drug at least once per year.

Cough Medicine - Many of these over-the-counter and prescription medicines contain the narcotic painkiller codeine. Teens can achieve a codeine high by overdosing on Robitussin, colloquially referred to as robotripping; 4.1% of high school seniors use this drug at least once per year.

Vicodin - This powerful and highly addictive painkiller is often prescribed to hospital patients who have just undergone surgery. Teens who do not medically require Vicodin abuse it because it causes a brief euphoric high accompanied by cloudy thinking and lethargy; 4.4% of high school seniors use this drug at least once per year.

Hallucinogens - These drugs cause users to experience visualizations of things that do not really exist. Psilocybin mushrooms (or "magic mushrooms"), salvia and LSD are popular choices among teenagers, since they enable users to "trip"; 4.2% of high school seniors use this drug at least once per year.

MDMA - Also known as "molly," this drug induces extreme euphoria, followed by depression, as amounts of the brain chemical serotonin spike then sharply decrease. Molly is ubiquitous at music festivals and concerts; 3.6% of high school seniors use this drug at least once per year.

Cocaine - This popular club drug has been around for decades, and doesn't appear to be going anywhere. Teenage cocaine use is widespread because the drug temporarily increases energy and lowers inhibitions, which allows teens to party and stay alert for longer; 2.5% of high school seniors use this drug at least once per year.

New Drug Trends

Florida's miles of coastline and busy ports make the state a hotspot for imported items, including new drugs. In 2015, flakka - a synthetic crystal from China - ravaged South Florida, causing hundreds of hospitalizations and 60 deaths. The dangers of flakka use - which can be snorted or injected - include leaving users with extreme paranoia and hallucinations.

"Study drugs" such as Adderall have quickly crept onto school campuses all over the country. These stimulants - which offer extended attention spans and sharpened focus - are growing in popularity and are now used by over 7% of high schoolers.

Tranquilizers like ketamine have long been used in veterinary medicine, as it causes sleepiness and can help make medical procedures more tolerable. However, in recent years, ketamine abuse has increased in popularity because of its capacity to induce dissociation and help users "zone out." Though just a little under 2% of high school seniors used ketamine in 2015, the drug's popularity has increased from previous years.

Teens and Alcohol

Although teen drug use occurs at epidemic proportions, the most common substance abused by teenagers is alcohol. In fact, researchers found that 35.3% of 12th grade students had used alcohol in the past month - 58.2% have drank in the past year. In fact, 35% of teens have tried drinking by age 15 and 65% have tried alcohol by age 18. Youth aged 12-20 are responsible for 11% the U.S.'s alcohol consumption.

Teen alcohol abuse is rampant because teens can acquire alcohol relatively easily - since many parents keep it in their homes. This substance allows teens to let their guards down and engage with peers more comfortably. However, the perceived benefits of alcohol are mitigated by its dangers. Almost 5,000 young people under age 21 die each year from alcohol-related incidents such as overdose and car accidents.

Why Do Teens Do Drugs?

The teenage years are tough. There is no single reason for why teens do drugs or why teens drink alcohol - but research points to a few trends:

Peer Pressure - Teens are quite vulnerable to copying the behaviors of those around them. For example, if your child's friends are "robotripping," then your teen is more likely to try the same method of drug abuse.

Social Boost - Drugs that give you confidence tend to appeal especially to shy teenagers who otherwise feel socially inept.

Academic Problems - Struggles at school can have a huge impact on a child. If academic pressure, your teen might feel they have no choice but to abuse a "study drug" such as Adderall.

Parent Behavior - If you or another adult in your home abuses drugs or alcohol, then your child has received the message that this behavior is acceptable.

Boredom - If your teen is disengaged in life, they might seek excitement through a new experience such as drug use. Simple as it may sound, substance abuse offers an activity to pass the time.

Co-Occurring Disorders - Oftentimes a teen who is dealing with depression or anxiety will turn to substance abuse as a way to cope with their mental problem.

Effects of Drug Abuse

From decreased academic performance to social isolation to serious physical injuries, drugs and alcohol can impact your teen in countless ways. While some of these effects can be remedied when the substance abuse stops, many are permanent. Each drug carries its own set of side effects, but some consequences are prevalent among multiple substances.

Physical Effects of Drug Abuse

Drugs can wreak havoc on the body, and are especially devastating to teens who are still developing. Some of the physical risks of substance abuse are as follows:

Liver damage

Heart attack

High blood pressure

Lung infections

Kidney disease

Coma

Weakened immune system

Abnormal vital signs

Mental Effects of Drug Abuse

Not only can teen drug and alcohol abuse impact the user's body, it can hurt their brain. Here are some common mental effects of substance abuse:

Lowered mental function due to loss of brain cells

Depression and anxiety

Addiction

Hostility

Paranoia

Psychosis

Exacerbation of existing mental illness

Social Effects of Drug Abuse

Some of the social problems teens face due to substance abuse are as follows:

Loss of friends

Decreased academic performance

Job loss

Legal trouble

Personality changes

Financial problems

Signs of Drug Use

Just as the effects of drugs vary from substance to substance, as do the signs of drug abuse. However, there are a few commonly exhibited signs and symptoms of teen drug abuse.

Dilated pupils or red eyes

Moodiness

Behavior or personality changes

Loss of interest in hobbies

Lying

Change in friends

Irritability

Bouts of extreme hyperactivity

Academic problems or truancy

Lethargy

Stealing money

Incense or perfume use to hide the smell of substances

Sullen demeanor

Bear in mind that some of these symptoms - such as moodiness and lethargy - are natural parts of adolescence. Pay special attention to these when they are combined with other symptoms on this list.

Stop Drug Abuse from Becoming Addiction

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that less than 10% of addicted American teens actually enrolled in one of the country's many drug and alcohol treatment centers. When addiction is not treated during adolescence and allowed to continue into adulthood, risks of serious health problems and death increase.

Stop drug use before it requires treatment for teenage drug addiction. Openness is the key. Talk to your teenager non-judgmentally about drug use, ask them questions, and be open to their opinions. Let them know that substance abuse is not permitted in your home, and establish consequences for such behavior. Most importantly, express that your teen's well-being is the reason you are making rules against substance abuse. You want your teen to grow up to be a healthy, vibrant adult and drug abuse can severely hinder their development.

Teen Drug Rehabilitation Programs

If your teen's substance abuse problem has gotten out of control, you have several options. There are several different approaches to rehabilitation and treatment for teenage drug abuse. Since the way to recovery is unique for everyone, it's important to discuss your family's situation with a treatment professional who can guide you in your decision.

12-Step Programs

If your teen has already been to a treatment center and your primary concern is now relapse prevention, then a meeting-based program may be suitable. These programs often link each participant to a sponsor who provides accountability and support. However, 12-step programs are limited in that they do not provide the level of support that many addicted teens need.

Inpatient Rehab

Addiction is powerful, and sometimes getting help via an inpatient treatment center is the best way to fight it. Oftentimes, the recommendation is for inpatient drug rehab for teenagers - especially when the problem has existed for a long time, other avenues have proven unsuccessful, or the addiction has grown so entrenched that your teen's daily life is significantly impacted.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient drug rehab can offer daily support without the commitment of residency. If your teen does not require constant supervision and can manage a daily commute, then this style of rehab may fit your family's needs. Like 12-step programs, outpatient programs can be helpful but do not provide the support of inpatient rehab.

Does Your Teen Need Drug Rehab?

If you believe your teen is abusing drugs or alcohol, our team at Next Generation Village may be the answer. We can help assess what kind of help your child will need and guide your family with options through this process.

Location and treatment expertise can be powerful contributing factors in teen drug rehab success rate. At Next Generation Village, your child will have the best of both worlds. The serenity and calm of drug rehab in Florida may provide the right setting for kickstarting recovery. Coupled with the understanding care of our team, your child will have all the tools they need to get better.

Get in touch with us today and find out how drug treatment in Florida can help your teen's addiction recovery.

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Recent government studies have indicated that American teens rampantly abuse both illicit and pharmaceutical drugs. While many young people simply experiment with drugs, about 8% of them develop an addiction. Once teen drug addiction takes root, your child is at a higher risk for social problems, early death and a litany of other serious issues.

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https://www.verywellfamily.com/startling-facts-about-todays-teenagers-2608914