Some teens say they don't like to join groups. Why should they talk about their problems to other people? It's embarrassing.

It is not embarrassing. Your problem is not unique. According to National Association for Children Of Alcoholics "1 in 4 under the age of 18"  suffer living with parents who abuse alcohol and other drugs. "The worst part is, <teens> can't help themselves. "  But groups can. Call (toll-free) at 1-888-554-COAS to learn more about what help is available in your town or on line. Join Alateen, join In The Rooms. Join. Join

Posted by answersforteens at 6:43 PM EDT

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Summer will be here very soon. Those of you who have the opportunity to go away for the summer may want to look into PROJECTS ABROAD. You live in a foreign country while doing volunteer work where needed. Want more info:

Projects Abroad is a global leader in short-term international volunteer programs with projects in 30 countries and recruitment offices in the UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Holland, Hong Kong, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden and the United States.

For details on volunteering abroad, visit Projects Abroad's web site at www.projects-abroad.org. 

If you go let us know how you liked it. Just visit this blog again and click on post comment. 

Posted by answersforteens at 3:20 PM EDT

Updated: Monday, 21 March 2016 3:33 PM EDT

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 Some teens think pot is better than alcohol. Wrong, wrong. Neither is good. Here is some brief info from a recent study.

A recently completed study of 20 years of research on cannabis use refuted the arguments many of marijuana advocates by proving the detrimental effects of chronic marijuana use. Novus Medical Detox (http://www.novusdetox.com/), one of the only Florida-based detox centers (http://www.novusdetox.com/) serving high-dosage drug abuse patients, maintains that the study’s results are indicative of marijuana’s true nature and the danger the substance poses to American society – as such, Novus discourages further legalization and increased public access which the facility maintains will only further contribute to the nation’s already rampant drug use and high levels of addiction.

Here is some more info:

• Habitual users can develop a dependence syndrome, found in around one in 10 of all cannabis users and one in six among those who start in adolescence.
• Regular cannabis users see a doubled risk of experiencing psychotic symptoms and disorders – specifically those with a personal or family history of psychotic disorders, and if they start using cannabis in adolescence;
• Young adults who are cannabis users “have lower educational attainment than non-using peers, but it’s [unknown] whether the link is causal”;
• Use marijuana frequently as a young adult “approximately doubles the chance of being diagnosed with schizophrenia or reporting psychotic symptoms in adulthood.” (1) 

VISIT THE STUDY AND GET MORE INFO. IT'S IMPORTANT. IT'S YOUR LIFE.

Posted by answersforteens at 3:25 PM EST

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Yes, holidays can be difficult. Gatherings can include too much drinking or using drugs. We have talked about this before. It's important to discuss this again and again.

1. Value your health and don't get involved with drinking and drugging.

2. Plan where you can go if things get out of hand at home. A good friend? A relative?

3. If you leave the house leave a note in your room preferably taped to a wall so that it can't blow away where you are staying. 

4. If you are at home and things are out of hand at home don't be afraid to phone 911. 

5. Holidays are a good time to attend AA, Al-Anon, Alateen. You are a young adult so if there is no Alateen near you go to Al-Anon or AA. 

6. If you don't have Wi Fi at home go to the library and sign in on one of their computers and touch base with Alateen, In The Rooms and some of the other organizations we have mentioned.

7.Plan some fun activities for yourself. Do it through your church, athletic leagues, - make sure you belong to a caring group.

Posted by answersforteens at 5:10 PM EST

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Bullies are a pain in the ass, a nuisance. Unfortunately they exist. Deep down they are insecure cowards. Everytime they pick on someone they feel strong. 

Here are some things you can do if you feel picked on. Discuss it with your school counselor. If that's not possible because your school does not have a counselor make it your business to make friends with other schoolmates who feel picked on. Do things together, eat lunch together and if one of you has trouble with his/her school work help each other. 

The important issue is to not take seriously their insults. Feel overwhelmed by their comments? Then go to http://www.healingwalls.org/guest-blog-central-submissions/ 

Healingwalls let you hear how others who have suffered because of bullying, and, yes, because of addicts and addiction, have coped. You can vent your story, your situation.

Three cheers for http://www.healingwalls.org/guest-blog-central-submissions/

Visit them.  As always, you are really not alone.

Posted by answersforteens at 5:59 PM EDT

Updated: Tuesday, 6 October 2015 6:10 PM EDT

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When you live with an adult or adults who suffer from addiction life can be tough. It is important to remember you are not alone. Feeling anxious or depressed may not mean that you are the one having mental problems. It may just be your very being telling you that you are overwhelmed with what's going on in your home. See how others feel. Share your concerns with community@themighty.com.

Listen also to what others are going through. Whatever you do don't self-diagnose yourself. Again, remember feeling anxious or depressed may just be a warning sign that life is at the moment too tough. Seek a group like Alateen. The good news is if you don't have a group near your home you can do it on line at al-anon.org/electronic-meetings This web site will not only lead you to the online Alateen groups but will, if you prefer, tell you how to join a group over the telephone.The important thing is if you feel rotten don't just take it do something. Join a group. Such action will calm your anxiety and depression because it will show you that you are not helpless.

Posted by answersforteens at 3:51 PM EDT

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We start a new school year with a lot of hope. Some of us are discouraged because we may have had a bad year last year. Here is what may help.

1. Make a list of all you hope to achieve - better marks, furthering your education after high school, making more friends, trying out for some sports

2. Look at the list you have made and make another list of how you are going to make it work. Be realistic. Feel free to  check out what help is available.

3. If your school does not have the type of extra help you need such as a counselor or after school help with your homework then check out what facilities are available outside of your school. Alateen? In the rooms? the Y? the library? your church.

You can do it. 

Posted by answersforteens at 3:44 PM EDT

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