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THERAPY continued from Page 11
may have an adverse effect on health and wellness. It is associated
with several diseases, particularly heart disease, type 2 diabetes,
breathing and sleep difficulties, certain types of cancer and osteoarthritis. Obesity is one of the fastest growing disorders among
school-aged children and adolescents.
Teenage alcohol and drug use are serious issues, too. Some of
the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse in teenagers include
needing money, lying, making excuses, breaking curfew, staying
in their rooms, becoming verbally or physically abusive toward
others, the smell of alcohol on their breath or body, mood swings,
stealing and changes in friends. Drugs that teens abuse include
marijuana, but they may also use inhalants such as gasoline, ammonia and other toxins, which is called huffing. Depressants and barbiturates are sometimes called reds, yellows, yellow jackets, downers or roofies; stimulants such as amphetamines are called bennies,
black beauties or speed; cocaine is referred to as blow, crack, rock,
toot uppers, crank or crystal.
The important thing to remember is that the sooner a parent addresses a child’s problems, the easier it may be to resolve
them. Professional organization maintain referral resources for
parents. Your pediatrician and/or family physician are good places
to begin the search. The critical step is choosing to do something
about the problems and getting a reputable clinical professional to
work with you and your pediatrician or family physician on resolving the issues of concern.
About the Author
Thomas W. Miller, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Professor Emeritus and Senior
Research Scientist, Center for Health, Intervention and Prevention,
University of Connecticut and a Professor in the Department of
Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky.
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