“Smoking is one of the leading causes of statistics.” – Fletcher Knebel, American author of political fiction It’s true there may be more stats, studies and research on nicotine effects than any other addiction thus far, but knowledge is power, right? What was once touted as a stress reliever, social accessory and fashion statement is […]

When friends have a problem with alcohol or drugs, it may be difficult to know how to help them. At first, it may be hard to tell if they have a problem because they may use alcohol or drugs alone and to hide it from everyone around them, including you. If you try confronting them, […]

Alcohol use during adolescence boils down to a choice. While peer pressure and accessibility may also be prime factors for alcohol consumption and possible abuse during one’s youth, a fair amount of research traces this early harmful behavior to the front of the brain, which is responsible for executive functioning. According to JoAnn Kukulus, M.S., […]

For many teenagers, obtaining a driver’s license also comes with a fair amount of responsibility. When factoring in the possibility of alcohol use among adolescents, proper guidance and self-control need to be ingrained before they start driving under the influence (DUI) and become stigmatized as an alcoholic early in life. Predictive factors for DUI In […]

Through a sense of personal identity and a goal-oriented structure, teens who have classified themselves as “straight edge” have also found a healthy lifestyle practice that extends beyond its musical roots. In the 2012 article, “‘We Sing For Change’: Straight Edge Punk & Social Change,” Francis Stewart, Ph.D., from the University of Stirling defined straight […]

The reasons why alcohol abuse and alcoholism are strongly tied to traumatic life stressors are varied. Equipping oneself with effective coping skills is one particular step a teen must take as he or she gets closer to adulthood. Sometimes, certain negative experiences can leave one disarmed and susceptible to self-destructive coping mechanisms instead. Teens cite […]

There are common priorities that teenagers hold to high social standards. Two of the top goals include learning how to drive and fitting in with their peers. Unfortunately, when fitting in leads to experimenting with alcohol and is combined with driving under the influence, the consequences can be dire and even fatal. There is a […]

Getting a driver’s license is a common coming-of-age ritual for adolescents across the United States, but road accidents are also the leading cause of teenage mortality. According to a recent experiment in 2015, teens were observed throughout a 35-minute driving simulation, which put participants through 22 different scenarios. Lead Researcher Catherine McDonald, Ph.D., R.N., from […]

Complacency can be a dangerous feeling to have for the growing mind of a teenager. When the feeling progresses into boredom, it can also lead to experimentation involving promiscuous sexual activity, delinquency and especially drug or alcohol abuse. Preventing these behaviors is essential in allowing a teen to reach his or her potential, but research […]

Alcohol is commonly classified as a separate substance from other drugs, but it is still a chemical compound with mind-altering effects. As a neurotoxic and psychoactive drug, its primary ingredient ethanol can evoke a variety of symptoms. By manipulating the mind, it also gives rise to physical, emotional and behavioral impacts as well. Learning exactly […]