Teens Health
Everybody gets stressed from time to time. Talking
to someone you trust can start you on the road to solving the problem. Activities that you enjoy will take your mind
off of a stressful situation.
Get support. When you need help, reach
out to the people who care about you. Talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, other relative, a school counselor, or a
coach. And don't forget about your friends. They might be worried about the same test or have had similar problems, such as
dealing with a divorce or the death of a loved one.
In extreme cases you may want to contact a Trauma
Survivors Network for professional support with your loss. Ellen MacKenzie, a public health professor at John Hopkins
University whose research has helped form this network.
Teen Driving Facts
Driving is the most dangerous daily activity we can undertake. Car
crashes are the #1 cause of death among American teenagers.
In 2008, 2,739 teenagers died from fatal car crash injuries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes twenty-five percent of teenage drivers in fatal car wrecks possessed
a blood-alcohol level above the legal adult limit of 08.
Alcohol
It's easy for teens to get the wrong message about
alcohol. Young teen's look to friends and the media for clues on how to act and begin to question adults' values
and rules. Teens remember rules are a safety net that provide guidance.
Alcohol is actually a depressant. That means it's a drug
that slows down or depresses the brain. Teens brains and bodies are still growing; alcohol use can cause learning problems.
Like many drugs, alcohol changes a person's ability to think, speak, and see things as they really are. A person may lose
his or her balance and have trouble walking properly. The person might feel relaxed and happy and later start crying or get
in an argument.
What happens when people drink?
When people drink too much, they may do or say things
they don't mean. They can hurt themselves or other people, especially if they drive a car. Someone who drinks too much may
throw up or wake up the next day feeling awful that's called a hangover.
Drinking can lead to risky behaviors, such as having
unprotected sex.
The citizens and government leaders in this country have
decided that teens shouldn't be allowed to buy or use alcohol. Drinking large amounts of alcohol at one time or very
rapidly can cause alcohol poisoning, which can lead to coma or even death.
The drinking age is set at 21, because older
people are able to make good decisions about alcohol.
What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is chronic, which means it continues over
time. It often gets worse, too, because the person may start experiencing health problems related to drinking. In addition
to causing liver problems, long-term drinking can damage the pancreas, heart, and brain.
With help, anyone who has a problem with alcohol can
be successful at stopping. And if you're still a teen, help yourself by not starting in the first place!
Alateen Suggested Preamble
Alateen, part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship
of young people whose lives have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or close friend. They help each other and
share experiences, strengths, and hopes. Alateen members believe alcoholism is a family disease, because it
affects all the members emotionally and sometimes physically.
They do not discuss religion or become
involved with any outside social groups. The sole topic is the solution of the teens problems.
Alateen members are careful to protect each persons anonymity as well as that of all Al-Anon and AA
members.
The Twelve Steps help teens begin to grow mentally,
emotionally, and spiritually. They are always grateful to Alateen for giving them a wonderful, healthy
program to live with and enjoy.
Website: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org
