Raising a teenager can be a challenging task, because every teen is different. Teenagers showcase a realm of behavior issues, some moderate and some severe. Some teens may have an underlying illness that is causing them to act out or it could be from peer pressure. Recognizing what behavior issues your teen has is the first step in getting help. Behavior issues that are out of control can lead to destruction of your teen's life and those around him.
Risky Behavior
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, states that some risky behaviors that teens engage in are some of the leading causes of disability and death within their age group. Many of these behaviors are preventable and can be treated through discipline or psychological assistance. Some of the most risky behaviors involve drug and alcohol abuse. The CDC reports that up to 24 percent of high school students engage in periodic excessive drinking or binge drinking. This can lead to intoxication which can result in illegal public behavior, unintentional injuries, academic problems, driving while intoxicated and health problems. Long-term, frequent alcohol abuse among teens could develop into alcoholism, a disease which causes liver and kidney problems and sometimes death.
Drug abuse is also a risky behavior that some teens choose. It can be very dangerous because everyone reacts differently to drugs. The CDC states that marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the U.S. Other drugs that are often used by teens include inhalants, cocaine, ecstasy, crystal meth, Oxycotin, Percocet, Adderal, Xanax, and over the counter cold medications. Teens face risky behavior not only by using the drugs but by combining them with other drugs which can unknowingly administer lethal side effects resulting in coma or death.
Rebellion
Most teenagers go through a rebellious stage at some point in their high school years, but when the behavior is out of control or puts the teen or others at risk, there is a problem. The Troubled Teen website indicates that some common signs of teenage rebellion include resisting authority, out of control behavior, violence, stealing, bad mouthing adults or those in charge, disobeying rules, lying, skipping or quitting school and running away. Focus on the Family explains that it is important for you to get help immediately if your child is starting to rebel. This will prevent the problem from getting out of hand. Tough love may also be an option including taking personal items or privileges away from your teen or grounding them may help curb their rebellious behavior.
Depression
Medline Plus explains that teen depression is disorder that brings about feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, isolation, low self-esteem and a discouraging attitude. Depression is a serious condition and it can cause behavior problems in teens. They may showcase feelings of agitation, irritability, restlessness and self-hatred. They may act out or take their depression out on others through yelling, screaming or ignoring. They may also have an additional underlying illness such as bipolar disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder which leads to having problems at school and during social events.
