Despite a recent plunge in teen illicit substance abuse, it’s still a significant issue plaguing the young people of our country. Additionally, prescription drug abuse in this age group has increased recently. Also, underage drinking and subsequent alcohol addiction is a common problem among teens and young adults. Defining substance abuse can appear tricky to…
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Self-harm and teens has become an increasingly prevalent symptom of emotional distress. Self-harm refers to a behaviour whereby a person intentionally injures their body. Most parents do not understand the relation between self-harm and teens. This is because some think it is one of the ways teens seek attention. However, it is crucial to understand…
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Because it is legal and readily available, alcohol can present a unique problem for young people. The ordinariness of drinking and alcohol not only heightens its likelihood for abuse but makes avoiding it especially difficult. While many may frown upon underage drinking, the full scope of how dangerous the practice is for young people’s development…
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More and more kids are being bullied in their own homes under their parent’s very noses. It’s called cyberbullying and it’s a troublesome trend involving the use of cell phones, Facebook, and other social networking sites that allow teens to connect and bully others. Cyberbullying teens abuse their peers and those teens who are cyberbullied…
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As parents, we may sometimes feel that teens are overdramatic. Because they’re going through various physical and mental changes, it’s normal for them to overreact at times, particularly with emotions like sadness. However, when does sadness cross over into teen depression? More importantly, for teens struggling with depression, how can parents best support them? Simply…
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Different types of mental illness plague teens from all across Canada and throughout the world. Living as a teen is hard enough, but mental health disorders like general anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can further complicate teens’ lives. Understanding these disorders can identify why getting the right behaviour treatment is so important. Growing…
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There may be a time when the adolescent in your life asks “Is alcohol a drug?” While you may think you know the answer to this question, it always makes sense to educate yourself further so you can give teens the best advice possible. As parents, we always want to give teens the right answer…
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Thinking about hosting a “safe” teen party where booze will be served? Think again. Teen drinking is a major issue. Adults who condone teen drinking or turn a blind eye to it risk being judged by society and by a legal system that comes down hard on adults who facilitate underage drinking. In Vancouver, a…
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An ingredient found in many cough and cold remedies is finding its way into the hands of teens intent on using it to get what is described as a cheap dissociative high. Teen cough medicine abuse is something parents need to make themselves aware of. Dextromethorphan (DXM) – a synthetic ingredient found in more than…
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Parents vigilant about educating their child about drugs and alcohol could inadvertently be supplying “drugs” powerful enough to kill the first time they are used. Teen inhalant abuse is a frequent issue in many areas. Surveys conducted in the United States and Canada reveal that huffing (or inhalant use) is becoming one of the most…
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