Troubled Teens Resources

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder can be tackled by many methods besides medication. Recent studies have indicated a correlation between ADHD and too much media consumption. Other studies indicate outdoor activities as a tools for managing ADD. It’s been demonstrated that weight lifting and martial arts programs are excellent for counteracting ADHD. So disconnect the teen from their media, get them outside and enroll them in a sport. All medication free.

In fact there are programs appearing daily all over the world that employ a constellation of therapies that can turn ADD into an asset instead of a stumbling block. Boot camps, troubled teen boarding schools and military schools have success with a combination of structure, discipline, accountability and cognitive self-change.

Parents need not despair if their teen or child has been diagnosed with ADD. First, get more than one opinion. You might find some schools are extremely heavy handed when it comes to demanding a teen be medicated. Stand your ground and seek alternatives if you are uncomfortable with medicating your teen.

Experiment with behavioral modification training that you can conduct at home. About.com has several suggestions along these lines, with links to various programs.

“Behavior Modification programs are an important part of treatment for children with ADD/ADHD. They can be used to improve behavior at home, improve academic success or improve family relationships. They can range from elaborate programs to simple charts.”