There are a variety of reasons young people turn to drugs, and the impact of such behavior can often be devastating. Whether alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, or the latest drug of choice, substance abuse among teens continues to be a concern. This disorder affects so many people in one way or another, not only the addicted individual but also his or her family members and friends. In Substance Abuse: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Sheri Mabry Bestor looks at the various reasons why young people experiment with drugs and alcohol and the consequences of doing so. Written to help young adults and those...

According to the recent United States Census, there are 650,000 same-sex couple households in the U.S., and an estimated one-quarter of those households are raising children. In the past few years, several states across the nation have passed Freedom to Marry bills for same-sex couples. But even with the rise in recognition of LGBTQ families, acceptance has not necessarily followed. Unfortunately, young adults in LGBTQ families encounter many challenges, from derision by their peers to the embarrassment of being perceived as different. LGBTQ Families: The Ultimate Teen Guide focuses on the...

It has been estimated that as many as 15 million people suffer or will suffer from anorexia and bulimia at some point in their lives. Additional statistics suggest that 25 million more suffer from binge eating and other related behaviors. The overwhelming majority of individuals who suffer from eating disorders are girls and young women between the ages of 12 and 25, but young males are not immune to these addictions and the statistics grow more alarming every year. Eating disorders affect not only those who suffer from them, but family members and friends who feel powerless to help. In...

It has been estimated that at least half of the children in America come from families that have been affected by divorce. Of those children, more than half will see a parent's second marriage dissolve as well. The impact of divorce on teens can be devastating, adversely affecting their attitudes, behaviors, and schoolwork, as well as their relationships with both friends and family. Divorce: The Ultimate Teen Guide focuses on the difficulties young people face in the wake of an epidemic that affects so many families. This book offers encouragement, insights, and resources to help teens cope...

While many teens find it easy to express themselves through any number of creative outlets whether by singing, drawing, writing, or playing a musical instrument not all young adults are able to readily access their talents. Even worse, some teens are convinced either by themselves or others that they don t have any creative ability at all. They never think to challenge this assumption and as a result, miss out on the pleasures and rewards that tapping into their creative reserves might generate. In Creativity: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Aryna Ryan helps teens remove the barriers to being...

Although shyness is a very common trait and almost everyone experiences it at some level, it s often misunderstood. That s because few of us ask about the frustration, anxiety, pain, and triumphs in the life of a shy person. These experiences remain hidden, and shy people may feel that nobody wants to know what s going on in their hearts, minds, and souls. Their silence often isolates them. In Shyness: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Bernardo J. Carducci and Lisa Kaiser help young adults address a concern that millions of teens around the world experience. The authors emphasize that shyness is not a...

It has been estimated that between 5 and 10 percent of the world s population suffers from food allergies, and the consensus among medical professionals is that these numbers are still growing. Out of every classroom in America, there are at least two teens who have food allergies, and every three minutes someone is taken to the emergency room as a result of an allergic reaction. From school cafeterias to movie theaters to sporting arenas not to mention restaurants teens encounter countless allergens. Although parents and health professionals are on the alert for food allergies, teens...

Life as a teenager can be tough. Pressures from school, expectations from parents, fitting in with peers, and facing self-doubt are just a few things that can weigh heavily on a teen's shoulders. While some young adults seem to thrive on adversity, others wilt under the strain and opt for less productive means of coping. Millions of American teenagers and college students deliberately injure themselves as a way of handling stress. They cut, burn, break, and poison their bodies, seeking physical pain as a means to avoid emotional pain. In Self-Injury: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Judy Dodge...

More than 900,000 teenage girls face pregnancies each year. Almost all of these pregnancies are unplanned, leaving teen moms and dads unprepared for the emotional, physical, and psychological journey ahead of them. What most parents find as a memorable and positive change in their lives, teens and their families often see as catastrophic and devastating. In Pregnancy and Parenting: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Jessica Akin guides teens through the unique issues and struggles of a life-changing event that can be overwhelming even for a fully mature adult. Once a teen decides what course to...

One out of every 68 persons is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, about 1 percent of the world population is afflicted with this condition. There is a vast amount of conjecture surrounding the topic of autism, so it is crucial to make sure relevant and appropriate information is accessible to those living on the spectrum as well as to those closest to them. In Autism: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Francis Tabone provides a comprehensive look at autism spectrum disorder. Designed to help teens and their families gain a social, medical, and historical understanding of ASD,...