Troubled Teens Resources

Teen crisis intervention programs often emerge from communities that have suffered a tragic loss or have been threatened by irrational teen behavior. Such as a recent threat by two obviously troubled teens to kill their fellow students at Connetquot High School.

“The news of two teens suspected of plotting a “massive attack” at Connetquot High School, with the intention of killing scores of innocent students and teachers, is chilling.

Parents, students and school officials understandably want to know if and how such tragedies can be prevented. In this instance, officials say potential disaster was averted when a diary belonging to one of the teens was found. This was a stroke of luck. None of us, however, wants our future safety to depend upon such serendipity.”

But should future safety depend on a state sponsored psychological evaluation of your children? What Pandora’s box is opened by allowing the state to intrude so far into a family’s life that their conclusions might dictate your teen’s future? Does this really constitute teen help or a violation of privacy?

“Now a radical opportunity to identify and help at-risk youth is being introduced by the state Office of Mental Health. Working with a $33-million legislative allocation, the office is embracing a public health approach. Its goal is to provide a free voluntary psychological checkup for 400,000 children in the state, under a program called Child and Family Clinic-Plus. This program will begin to be implemented this fall by five nonprofit mental health clinics in Suffolk County and two in Nassau.

The parents of ninth, 10th and 11th graders in participating schools will decide if their children should take a standardized screening test. Those students whose scores on the test indicate that they may be at risk will be eligible for three free comprehensive assessments and nine free sessions of therapy at home.”

(Source)

It seems that in recent years Americans must often decide between safety and freedom. These suggested tests are voluntary now, but will their use lead the way to mandatory testing? Will parents have the right to refute the conclusions of such tests? These are some of the many issues that parents face.

Teens at risk are not necessarily easy to identify. Some teen drug addicts, like adult drug addicts, are known as high performance addicts. Even thought they are actively on an illicit drug and spend a great deal of energy acquiring the drug, they still perform well in school and manage to hide their addiction from their parents.

As diligently as parents seek ways to constantly monitor their troubled teenagers, those teens are just as industriously figuring out ways to pull the wool over their parents eyes.

Teen crisis intervention starts with thorough and sound information on drugs, drug culture, and teen behavior. What better person to offer a parent insight into their drug addicted teen than a former teen addict?

A new book just released by such an author might just prove be a good investment for parents just starting their library devoted to teen help.

“Clean: A New Generation in Recovery Speaks Out” is written by Chris Beckman of MTV’s Real World Chicago fame. The book moves quickly through his teen years describing his first encounter with Jim Beam at 11. Yes, you read that right, 11.

Beckman makes an excellent case for alcohol being considered a gateway drug. There is a considerable amount of controversy about that theory, but Beckman shows a clear progression of abuse starting with alcohol and ending with hard drugs.
Interlaced throughout the book are stories of addiction and recovery from others who share their journeys. Clean, also provides the reader with a plethora of resources on where to get help, risk factors, and related health issues.
(Source)

Sometimes parents resort to desperate measures while fighting the unceasing battle against their teenager’s drug abuse and sometimes these measures can take a comical turn. From across the sea in England, the following account describes typical out-of-control teen behavior and a disgusted mother’s solution.

The troubled teen in question has an impressive resume. He’s guilty of numerous offenses from wreckless driving, to disorderly conduct, busting out his mother’s windows, smashing a computer and other abusive behavior.

In an act of final and complete frustration, his mother had his car crushed,smashed, obliterated, end of story.

“Defence lawyer Mark Dollimore told the court Baxter’s mother had become sick of him “getting into trouble with his car”, and had the “souped-up vehicle” crushed.”

That apparently got the troubled teen’s attention and he appeared in court with the support of his family to express his remorse.

“Judge Peter McAloon said having Baxter’s car crushed was “more dramatic” than any action he could take against him.

Alcohol and substance abuse had triggered Baxter’s behaviour, the judge said. Baxter was “extremely fortunate” to have his family’s support.”

He was sentenced to 200 hours of community work, nine months “supervision”,forbidden to drive or own a car for the same period and ordered to pay restitution. Hopefully this mother’s dramatic gesture will be the wake-up call the young man needs. Better a crushed car than a life crushed by teen age drug abuse.