Interesting Facts For Parents Interested In Finding “Troubled Teen” Programs and Assistance To Do So

I am aware that there are thousands of  ”Online resources.” I am one of them. However, I have to say, this is not the best way, in my opinion, to finding “troubled teen programs” for parents.  Teenage years are difficult enough and today, it can be dangerous to make such a serious choice based on an Internet ad.  

A child may be having anxiety × Anxiety
  anx·i·ety n.noun Merriam- Webster dictionary defines anxiety as: : an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it Anxiety is a very common ailment that almost everyone experiences on an almost daily basis. However, anxiety effects some more than others and can cause severe emotional distress that is too much for an individual to handle. When anxiety plagues an individual so severely that it becomes a disorder, it is crucial that this individual receives therapeutic and emotional restoration in the form of psychological and therapeutic assistance. Teens who experience abnormal amounts of anxiety, tend to self medicate with intoxicants such as drugs and alcohol. When negative, self medication takes place, teens are at great risk of developing harmful coping mechanisms that may be life-long lasting. Anxiety /anx.i.e.ty/ n.Noun Anxiety is defined as the state of uneasiness or tension caused by the feeling of worry or nervousness caused by apprehension of possibilities of the future. Anxiety is a common emotional trait that many people face.  It affects our actions and can prevent us from making decisions.  Usually anxiety holds us back from the types of things that are outgoing or out of our comfort zone and it brings fear. Anxiety is a normal experience for most people and is a normal part of life.  However, when the anxiety reaches the level of a disorder then it can be dangerous.  This would include an intense, extensive, excessive and persistent worry or fear.  Another factor that is caused by an anxiety disorder can be anxiety, fear, or terror attacks when the intensity of anxiety becomes very high.  Types of anxiety disorders can include: social anxiety, separation anxiety and many different phobias etc.  
attacks at school and at home their behavior may seem out of control or difficult. Perhaps you are concerned about alcohol × Alcohol
al·co·hol n.noun a colorless volatile flammable liquid that is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks, and is also used as an industrial solvent and as fuel. When ingested, alcohol can be a deadly intoxicant. Teens and adults alike are more prone to make fateful and negative choices while drinking alcohol. A deadly intoxicant, alcohol has destroyed and ripped apart the lives of millions and yet, remains to be the drug of choice of troubled teens nationwide. Teenage minds are not yet able to fully appreciate the dangers that coincide with drinking. When drunk, teenagers commit and act out heinous activities which they would normally never commit or act out. Teenage pregnancy, driving under the influence, fighting and other consequences are more likely to occur while teens drink. Parents of teenage boys or girls who drink occasionally or struggle with the addiction of alcohol, need to seek immediate treatment for their son or daughter.
or drugs, a potential eating disorder × Eating Disorder
Eating disorders /eat·ing/ /dis·or·der/ The definition of an eating disorder as any a wide variety of psychological disorders involving characteristics or habits related to irregular eating patterns. Eating disorders usually arise from a negative or distorted self-image and are serious emotional and physical issues that involve extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. Types of eating disorders include those such as Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorders, etc. There are many signs that can help signify an eating disorder. Signs may include: a refusal to eat/denial of hunger, an intense fear of gaining weight, a negative or distorted self- image, excessive exercise, a flat mood or lack of emotion. It is important recognize symptoms or possible signs of eating disorders in yourself or other individuals. If you find someone that is struggling with an eating disorder, there are many types of way that you can help. Specialists are trained to help with eating disorders because they may dangerous but they are curable.
, or abusive anger issues × Anger issues
Anger issues / an·ger/ / is·sue/ Anger issues can be classified as either a personal problem or also an emotional disorder through a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure or hostility. Anger can be the cause of many different situations and events. Feeling anger is a normal emotion that people feel in many ways. However, there comes a point where the feeling of anger in a person can become a problem. When anger becomes uncontrollable or is very frequent, it can cause different problems. In the process of trying to correct anger disorders, a person can become involved in other problems as well. Problems such as eating disorders, depression, and risky behavior like refusing to go to school, becoming isolated, harming others or even substance abuse. These things may seem to remove focus from the anger issues but are greater issues in themselves. It is important that as you discover signs of anger issues that you find the right help immediately through the help of counseling, therapy, or other related treatment programs.
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These are all very different issues to be addressed in very different ways. Yes, parents are responsible for finding troubled teen programs help for their teen when they have an issue that may be destroying their life. It is important to utilize early prevention whenever possible, starting with local resources before things get out of control.

When local resources are no longer being effective, a parent will want to seek help. There are many different kinds of programs and they have many different kinds of names and titles that are used for Internet and marketing purposes so you can find them. There is nothing wrong with that, it just makes parents heads spin when it all starts running together.  

Finding Troubled Teen Programs for Specific Issues:

Addiction Treatment Programs – Short Term and Long Term

Residential addiction × Addiction
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as "Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response." Similar to other chronic diseases, addiction may involve cycles of relapse and a mental state of remission. If untreated, or serious attempts of recovery, the progression of addiction can easily result in dire, sometimes fatal, consequences. Addiction can take many forms, from eating disorders to drug addiction and even gambling. Whatever the affliction, or choice of addiction, the teenage psyche and overall well being is at greater risk than that of a fully developed adult. Teens who don't receive adequate rehabilitation for their addiction are almost certain to carry their addictive qualities into adulthood. Parents of a teenage boy or girl suffering from addiction should seek viable treatment options immediately before the addiction progresses further.
treatment is often the last stop for an out-of-control substance-abusing teenager. It offers a “time out” from situations that trigger self-destructive behavior, a chance to experience predictable and consistent consequences × Consequences
n. noun con·se·quences The Merriam- Webster dictionary provides the following definitions for consequences: 1.the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier: The accident was the consequence of reckless driving. 2.an act or instance of following something as an effect, result, or outcome. Consequences is a prevalent issue in the life of a troubled teen. Troubled adolescents who suffer from negative consequences, do so because of their poor decision making. Whatever choice a teenage boy or girl decides to make, a consequence of that decision will soon follow. If a teen chooses to make productive choices in life, he/she will reap the benefits of positive consequences. However, if a teen makes poor choices such as, abuse drugs and alcohol, skipping class, hanging out with the wrong crowd or disobeying parents and authority, that teen will reap negative consequences. Negative consequences such as, legal troubles, being grounded from parents, or getting kicked out of school due to inactivity or rebelliousness, are all viable and likely negative consequences a teen will experience if he or she is making poor choices.
of behavior, an opportunity to participate in community, and for family bonds to be repaired. In the process, self-esteem — the major antidote to alcohol and drug use – is increased. 

Adolescent Treatment Programs / Family Environment Residential Programs –

Adolescent treatment programs are dedicated to helping those ages 12 to 17 find the pathway back to happiness and family harmony. Their goal is to utilize a family centered approach.They assist troubled and struggling teenagers who have developed behaviors such as defiance × Defiance
/de·fi·ance/ n.Noun Defiance is defined as an open resistance or bold disobedience.  Defiance is a common act among young teens and children.  Defiance can come in many different forms and different levels. An act of defiance doesn't always mean that there are bigger problems at hands but it is important to pay attention if defiance becomes a big part in a teens behavior.  Defiance can be the cause of many different things often times small but sometimes the problem may be much larger.  Defiant behavior come from problems such as a predisposition or disorder in the brain to a problem of substance abuse.  Smaller acts of defiance can just be the cause of lack of sleep or food or also from problems such as bullying. Defiance can be a good indicator of a more serious problem in a teens life.  It is important to ask questions when signs of defiance are used frequently.
towards their parents and other authority figures as well as those who have problems such as ADD / ADHD, depression × Depression
Depression /de·pres·sion/ Depression is defined as a mental condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection, typically also with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep. Statistics has shown that diagnosis of depression is growing at a very dangerous rate. Globally, depression affects over 350 million people of all ages. Depression has been linked to other negative health outcomes, such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Compared to those not affected by depression those who face it are more likely to be unemployed and have a higher chance of divorce. Most people that suffer from depression do not seek care or attention. Since this is a global issue, many efforts are made to help those who are suffering depression. It is important for those that face depression to find help so that they can overcome this plague that millions of people face.
, drug/alcohol abuse × Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol Abuse /al.co.hol/ /a.buse/  The definition of Alcohol Abuse is the intake of a colorless volatile flammable liquid that is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks improperly or in a negative view or purpose. There are many different types of alcohol, and the misuse of these types of substances can be very dangerous and can be the cause of many different problems.  This type of abuse can lead to many different types of impairments or distress. Along with physical problems that can come from recurrent drug abuse there are many other types of problems that can occur.  One effect can be a lack of interest in schooling and work.  The failure to fulfill roles and obligations in different settings of life can also occur.   Also, a poor performance in daily actions that may lead to legal problems. It is important to face Alcohol abuse as soon as possible and in an appropriate manner.  There are many different programs that are available to help fix these types of problems to rehabilitate someone’s life.
, lying, Reactive Attachment Disorder, school failure, sexual promiscuity, theft or even attempted suicide. 

Aftercare / Next Step Transition Programs

Success in recovery is an ongoing process. This means that the patient is never “cured” but has begun to build a foundation for recovery during the residential stay.  These programs excel in developing unique aftercare plans. 

Boys Only Programs -Girls Only Programs – Pre-Teen Programs

These single gender only residential programs provide both long-term and short-term choices. These residential programs are structured. Positive behavior is rewarded through additional privileges and positive reinforcement Christian Based Residential Programs

Christian Residential Teen Treatment Programs

Christian Residential Treatment Programs for teens are passionately committed to reaching out to at-risk young people to help them realize their self-worth and potential, as well as the significance of God’s individual love for them.