Author: TWK Admin

3 Important Facts About Drug Rehab

If you are a teenager and you have been struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, you need to understand that your brain is still developing. The more damage you do to your brain while it’s still developing, the more permanent the damage will be. Not only must you do everything in your power to quit, but you must have the support from friends and family members to get you through this challenging time of your life.

“Just Stop” isn’t Enough

The longer a drug is used, the harder it will be to come off of it. With adults, it has a lot to do with the many years of drug abuse and the toll it takes on the mind and body. With teenagers, it has a lot to do with the still-developing brain being trained at such an early age to tolerate this abuse and adapt to it. Your brain needs to be re-trained to accept a different reality from now on. Addiction doesn’t just happen; it’s based on emotional and psychological problems and you will need to deal with these. Your friends can help if they are not using themselves. However, remember that your peers are in the same age group as you and they need direction too. You will have to learn to accept responsibility for your actions and strive to make positive changes in your daily habits.

Cold Turkey isn’t Always Best

Some addictions, including cigarette smoking, can safely be stopped abruptly without any risks to your health. Other addictions, like alcoholism and prescription drug addiction, take more careful effort to manage during the quitting stages. Withdrawal symptoms from drugs like alcohol, opiates and benzodiazepines can cause panic attacks, seizures, rapid heartbeats and even cardiac arrest. The mental confusion associated with quitting these kinds of drugs can also be very dangerous. Deep breathing exercises, meditation and going on long walks can help with withdrawal symptoms that aren’t too severe. Medically managed detoxification makes treatment safer for those experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Avoiding Relapses

Experiencing a relapse can definitely be part of the healing process for many, but it doesn’t have to happen to you. Once you have found a daily routine that works for you, stick to it and improve upon it. If you still have friends that use after you have decided to quit, avoid them like the plague. They will have to understand that you no longer fit into their dynamic. Spend time exercising, eating healthy foods and getting to know yourself better.

Loving yourself will give you the power to continue on the road to recovery. You should want the best for yourself, and that should never involve drug use. Making new friends that share your new beliefs can make a world of difference and keep you focused on making positive changes in your life. From there, make sure you choose the right treatment program that gives you the best chance of long-term success.

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3 Career Paths for People Who Care About the Environment

For teens who are considering a future career that concerns caring for the environment, we’ve covered three career paths that are very relevant to this subject.

Conservation Scientist

A career path like a conservation scientist will include the monitoring of forestry and conservation activities. By complying with government regulations as a conservation scientist, it helps your organization establish plans for the management of the lands and forest resources. Supervising activities of other forestry and conservation workers is part of the role.

Civil Engineer

While civil engineers are part of the hard sciences, they can also provide significant contributions to their environment. Civil engineers can build as well as reinforce dams and levees to protect many large and small towns and cities from catastrophes involving water. Moreover, civil engineers who focus on transportation can make an impact in many ways. Civil engineers work with others to ensure that their designs are environmentally safe and efficient. While many of these positions require bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering or general engineering, there is a lot of demand for these positions. Civil engineers can also work in areas that are rebuilding from natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados, and other natural disasters.

Park Ranger

A park ranger looks after many elements of the park or land. Indeed, the role is very diverse, but park rangers are generally responsible for protecting America’s state and national parks. Those who are considering this job in the future should be aware that a park ranger helps to protect the ecosystems, the natural resources, and the wildlife that dwell within these national parks. And since many people can visit the 418-plus national park sites located in the US, park rangers may serve as environmental experts, park historians, law enforcement officers, or as a combination of those three roles. The good news is that the national park sites extend to US territories like the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa.

National Seashores, which make up 10 of these national park sites, National Preserves, which make up 19 of these national park sites, and National Rivers are just some of the places that teens can research further. There is plenty of information available online about each of these special categories that are classified under the umbrella of the US National Park system.

In conclusion, these three potential career paths are ones for young people to keep in mind who want to help preserve and protect the earth’s natural resources.

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Do You Enjoy Working with People? Look into These 4 Career Paths

In our day-to-day lives, there are a lot of individuals out there who enjoy working with people. If, for whatever reason, you have a personality type where you enjoy these activities, then you should take heart in the fact there are many occupations out there that would be a great fit for you. Consider some of these options:

Consulting

There is no question that a consultant job is a great position to have if you enjoy working with people and helping them be an asset to an organization. Consulting.com explains that the pay is decent, and consultant positions come in all different shapes and sizes. One of their main focuses has always been to provide an exterior, objective point of view for spotting gaps and weaknesses within an organization. One of the first things to understand with any consulting position is that there will be a rigorous interview process with any consulting firm. However, don’t be afraid to showcase your personality in your interviews. Your fellow consultants will want someone they can picture working with on a daily basis.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology definitely is a field that holds a lot of appeal for many different kinds of people. For one thing, it’s a great field if you like helping others. Maryville University explains that a degree in this field can have you work as a social service specialist or a correctional treatment specialist. A forensic psychologist will assist others by first of all evaluating prisoners and their behaviors. This assists the prison and society at large by assisting in the reform of the criminals. Forensic psychologists also help the legal system by determining whether a suspect is fit for trial or by advising law enforcement personnel on the likely behavioral tendencies of various criminals.

Family Therapist

Naturally, a family therapist will expose themselves to a broad cross-section of people in their day-to-day practice. They are primarily concerned with helping families solve many of the challenges they might be facing. Careers in Psychology explains that during therapy sessions, talking is usually the job of the family members rather than the therapist. A marriage and family therapist will often do more listening than talking during these meetings. The therapist will also watch the members of a family closely for non-verbal body language, or clues to where certain problems may lie. A family therapist has to concurrently relatable and diplomatic. So yes, they definitely have to be a solid people person.

Dental Hygienist

You definitely have to be a people person in order to become a dental hygienist. First of all, they must not only communicate thoroughly with a dentist but they also need to make all of their patients feel as safe and comfortable as possible. Complete Mobile Dentistry explains that dental hygienists don’t require that much schooling, make great money, and have flexible hours, but they also sometimes have to deal with upset patients, the job can sometimes be repetitive, and there aren’t many ways to branch out from this field.

These and many other career paths are great options for those who enjoy working with and helping people. Look into one of them today!

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3 Colorado Art Exhibits for the Artistic Teen

If you’re the artistic type, you already know that creating art is a terrific form of self-expression. Truly great art is more than just an outlet for creative expression, though—it can inspire us to become better versions of ourselves, to reach for the stars instead of staying safely locked within our comfort zones. Here are a few noteworthy Colorado destinations that are currently offering prime examples of this inspiration.

Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art

This museum serves up a perfect blend of classic and progressive techniques, with a bevy of cool exhibits showcasing a diverse lineup, from Georgia O’Keeffe to local tattoo artists. If you have certain preconceived notions of what art is or what it should be, MCA Denver is the perfect place to cast off those prejudices. If you’re looking for inspiration for your own artwork, there are plenty of different wells to draw from here. MCA Denver also offers intensive six-week workshops just for teens—ask Mom and Dad to keep that in mind when your next birthday rolls around.

Source: MCA Denver

Chapungu Sculpture Park

Loveland’s Chapungu Sculpture Park is home to 82 hand-carved stone sculptures that inspires the annual Sculpture in the Park show and sale, which is the largest outdoor juried exhibition in America. Founded in 1970 by Roy Guthrie, the exhibition was formerly known as African Art Promotions. Since its inception, it has amassed an impressive collection of Zimbabwe Stone Sculpture (also known as Shona Sculpture)—a collection that has to be seen in person to be appreciated. The open-air setting serves as the perfect backdrop to the majestic stone sculptures, as if they’ve emerged from the mantle of the earth itself. It’s a winning combination that will inspire you to bring a little bit of nature into your next project.

Source: Centerra

Denver Art Museum

Denver’s art mecca goes beyond the traditional boundaries of painting and sculpture, and includes exhibits to interest wannabe fashion designers, storytellers, and more. General admission is free on the first Saturday of every month, so you can take advantage of their offerings even if frequent museum visits aren’t in your family’s budget. Spend the afternoon browsing through the halls and learn how art can be used as an ingredient, rather than the whole recipe.

Source: Trip Advisor

Whether you view art as a hobby or a lifelong passion, you should expose yourself to as many varied styles as possible, so you’ll gain a good idea of the theories and concepts you’d most like to explore. And the best news of all? You’re never too young to start.

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3 Ways to Earn Your Parent’s Trust and Thus More Freedom

When it comes to being a teenager, the trust that your parents have in you will largely determine how much freedom you’re allowed. This is why it’s important that you establish this trust right away and do everything that you can to protect it. Here are three ways that you can earn the trust of your parents so that you can lead the life that you want.

Be Honest with Them

Once you break the trust of a parent, it becomes extremely challenging to earn it back. Being honest with your parents is crucial in the development of an open relationship. Earning the trust of a parent by always being honest can lead to more freedom to do the things that you want to do. Although it can be difficult to be honest, especially if you fear getting in trouble, it’s better to keep these open lines of communication open in the long run.

Be Responsible

In order to earn the trust of your parents, you need to show them that you’re learning to be a responsible adult. This responsibility can be achieved by learning how to effectively manage adult problems. For example, in the event that you’re pulled over and cited, it wouldn’t hurt to learn how to handle a traffic ticket so that you can keep your record clear for the future. The more responsibility that you show with the vehicle, the more likely that your parents will loosen curfew rules or allow you to take the car out more often.

Follow the Rules

Although so many rules may often seem unnecessary at times, it’s important that you understand that your parents have your best interests at heart when they put boundaries in place. Many times they want to help you or protect you with their rules. Following the rules that your parents set will immediately make them feel as if you’re trustworthy. If you feel as if a particular rule is unfair, then it’s better to engage in a discussion with your parents about it rather than just disregarding the rule altogether. By making an effort to show respect to your parents and their rules, you’ll foster a better relationship between all of you.

Transitioning from a teenager into an adult can be a challenging season in life. However, earning the trust of your parents and keeping it in place can help to give you the freedom that you desire.

4 Tips on How to Stand Out as a Leader in High School

High school is a very important time in everyone’s life. This is often a period of time in which life skills, work ethic, and the foundation for confidence are built. This is also a great time in which someone can learn the skills that it takes to be a leader. Here are four things that can be done to can help you stand out as a leader among your classmates and develop leadership skills that will serve you well later in life.

Help Out Others

One of the great parts of being in high school is that you’ll be surrounded by many different people in a variety of different settings. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the athletic fields, during part-time jobs, or any other setting, you’re bound to find yourself in a situation in which someone is struggling to succeed. Those who are willing to go the extra mile and to try and help others out will always stand out as a leader. They’ll also leave a lasting positive memory for everyone they helped.

Improve Processes Around You

A leader needs to be able to identify areas of improvement in projects and processes and be able to figure out ways to implement these changes. There are methodologies and techniques you can employ that could allow you to implement change with a smooth transition. For example, one source recommends using TIMWOOD as a helpful acronym to help remember a specific set of seven different wastes that can be applied to business as well as school.

Get Involved

In high school, there are many different activities you can participate in. According to ScholarshipPoints, if you want to stand out as a leader, you need to get involved. Further, he or she needs to be involved in an active way and seek out development and leadership opportunities in all of his or her activities.

Have a Positive Attitude

If you’re going to be a leader in high school, then having a positive attitude is extremely important. As a leader, you need to be someone that people can look up to and also be a role model. The last thing you want to have is a negative attitude or not be willing to put in the work. As one leadership development service points out, having a positive attitude will be contagious.

Ultimately, building leadership skills takes time. While some people are natural leaders, others need to work more on their leadership skills. It’s important that people in high school recognize leadership opportunities when they arise and that they act on these opportunities.

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What Teens Should Know About Ethical Food

Teens today are overloaded with choices, and it can be hard to decide on the best choices. It’s also hard to try to live a life that hurts that least amount of people and things as possible, but many people still try to live a life like that. With so many food options today, it’s easy to grab for some quick and easy food option that is loaded with fat, calories, processed sugars, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. It’s understandable that living in today’s hectic world leaves many teens already juggling school, part-time jobs, relationships, and future life plans. This is a full plate as it is. How can adding eating healthy be added to the list without causing additional stress? Everyone knows they’re supposed to eat healthy, or eat smart, but what does that actually mean? A good place to start is thinking about eating ethically. This can begin with something as simple as choosing the right egg.

Why Ethical Food Matters

There are numerous reasons why ethical food should become part of a teen’s diet at this important stage of life that will in part determine the more immediate courses their lives take. Besides the good personal feeling of knowing that good quality eggs are coming from chickens raised in an ethical manner, there are good habits that you can learn from the perspectives of ethical treatment, ecology, sustainability, and overall quality of the chickens’ lives and, in turn, quality of the eggs.

Start Good Habits Early

Whether it’s good study habits, respect for elders, helping out neighbors, or learning other good values, as a teenager, you probably care about becoming better-equipped for adult life in addition to leaving this world in a better state than you found it. Getting the proper nutrition, staying out of trouble, working hard, putting forth your best effort at anything that’s worthwhile, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are things you’ve likely heard about from parents and teachers again and again. This can be taken a step further without much more effort by learning to think critically about where the food that is supposed to nourish you is coming from, how it’s prepared, and whether or not it’s ethical.

Chickens Also Have Working Conditions

When many consumers look at where other goods are made in the world and how they are made, such as shoes, clothing, and electronics, it’s so easy for many to become appalled by the working conditions under which these products are made. While many would agree that it’s unreasonable for these laborers to work in some rather grueling conditions, it’s also unreasonable for animals that produce food to have unpleasant working conditions. The production of ethical food encompasses taking care of food-producing animals, and that includes chickens.

This is the Root of Early Farming

The farming portrayed in TV shows and movies tends to reflect the traditional farming methods that have been replaced by much of the mechanized world. Farming methods from the past are sometimes the best, and that is especially true when considering the ethical implications of raising chickens for their eggs in a manner that is inhumane. When farmers are able to do their jobs ethically, this benefits the overall health and well-being of the generations living today and the future generations that will eventually be raised by today’s teens.

An ethical farm that produces ethical eggs is a place where you would leave happy seeing how your food is made. You would not even have to think twice before grabbing and taking the eggs home to your kitchen. These are eggs raised in the traditional farming methods that support the chickens, give the farmers some peace of mind, and provide you with the nutrition you need now and for the rest of your life.

How Technology is Making it Easier

When taking a simpler approach, it’s seemingly common to think that technology can sometimes complicate life, but that is not the case with today’s chicken coops. Modern chicken coops are mobile, and come with a whole host of features to make them more energy efficient, and to help the chickens be more comfortable. After all, healthy and delicious eggs come from happy chickens. In addition to reducing energy costs in production, choosing ethical eggs translates to benefits for environmental sustainability and overall health for both humans and chickens.

Feel Good About Where You Get Your Food

Many teens have to take some sort of food class in their schooling experience and usually they have to watch some video about the behind the scenes of the food industry. There have already been some rather appalling stories about food production through documentary or other journalistic endeavors. These reports range from horrendous conditions for livestock to gross stuff winding up in various food products. With ethical eggs, those stories are nonexistent because the chickens are treated right and fed right, which results in eggs that taste great and give many consumers a better feeling about how the food was made.

Think Ahead Seven Generations

Sometimes it’s hard for teens to think of anything more than the day or current moment they are living in. With so much living in the moment that is common today, it’s easy to not think about long-term effects of decisions. The members of native tribes were traditionally taught to think how their choices would affect people seven generations into the future. With that thought process, please think ahead seven generations about how your choice of foods like eggs will affect the quality of eggs for those in future generations, especially considering those generations will be your children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and so on.

Feel Better Physically and Emotionally with Ethical Food

Teens are very good at noticing details or things that don’t feel right. Many consumers today can already tell a difference in taste from other foods that are organic or made without synthetic dyes and flavoring. The natural methods of growing and producing food tend to be preferred by consumers, even when the price is a little higher. You wouldn’t expect cheap food to taste great nor to be produced in a manner that is ethical and sustainable, so know that even though there is a slight difference in price, there are many greater benefits to eating ethical foods that include much better taste.

Something so common as the egg is easy to take for granted, especially with so many conventional options at various stores. It’s time to let good habits take root now during your life as a teenager. Technology has its place, and while it should not always be in one’s hands (especially while driving), it does help make it easier to choose ethical food options that make it possible to have happy eggs come from happy chickens.

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What It Means to Be an Older Sibling

If you are an older sibling, you probably know that younger brothers or sisters naturally look up to their older family members. While this can sometimes seem like a nuisance, it can be an opportunity for you to have a profound effect on your immediate environment. As an older sibling, you have the power to lead and provide support in many ways.

Responsibility Changes a Person

Older siblings can have a lot of advantages over their younger siblings, especially if they are the firstborn over multiple siblings. There can also be plenty of challenges that he or she might have to deal with. Globe Life Insurance explains, “almost immediately, older siblings can be saddled with more responsibilities that he or she will find hard to get out of. This is especially true when it’s within families that cannot afford to pay for any kind of childcare.”

This means that, when mom and dad are not home, older siblings are often in charge once they get to a certain age. They are responsible for the safety and emotional comfort of their younger siblings. It might also mean having to help with household duties, which might include cleaning up when your younger siblings make a mess or cooking family meals.

The Power of a Role Model

Whether older siblings like it or not, their younger siblings will copy and emulate their behavior and attitudes. A role model can shape a person’s character, and this can have a decisive effect on that person’s ability to succeed later on in life. Older siblings are more likely to take the position of a type of substitute parent during many troublesome situations.

Boys and girls who are older siblings will be faced with different challenges when it comes to setting a good example. For example, Potty Genius explains, “having a male role model, such as an older brother, makes potty training go much faster and easier for boys.” Older sisters might have more complex issues to deal with. Being a female can be challenging, especially in today’s world. An older sister can guide her younger sibling to carry herself with dignity and counsel her on possibly upsetting issues, such as receiving her first period.

Accepting Responsibility with Enthusiasm

Being a sibling means you may not receive all the attention you could want. However, as an older sibling, you can be the one to bring the joys and rewards of having an older brother or sister. The Odyssey explains, “oldest siblings have a sense of responsibility at a young age to teach their younger siblings all the ‘important stuff’ in life. And they usually believe their older siblings unquestioningly. They also get the opportunity to see their siblings grow up in front of them.” Human beings need other human beings to stay mentally healthy and well rounded. You may find more joy in your situation if you accept it and take pleasure in this. It can be surprisingly fulfilling to be the support that your younger siblings need.

3 Ways to Steer Clear of Drug Addiction for Life

Drug addiction is a major problem among teenagers. DrugAbuse.com explains that, “although general trends show that teens are using alcohol and drugs less than previous generations, the drugs that are being used are more dangerous than ever. Especially in regards to pharmaceutical abuse.” The teenage years are among the most stressful periods of your lifetime, and it is easy to become overwhelmed. Without all of the facts, using drugs to relax or celebrate may seem harmless. However, studies show that using drugs at an early age increases risks for addiction. Learning the risk factors can help you avoid drug addiction throughout life.

Get a Solid Support Network

As you near adulthood, it is natural to forge strong friendships with peers and depend less on adults. However, it is vital to maintain healthy relationships with dependable adults in your life. Talking to adults you trust can help you make the best decisions about drugs and alcohol.

It is important to consider how your relationships help you grow. Depending on your peers for opinions is normal and some types of peer pressure are positive. You should always feel comfortable voicing your own opinions. Surround yourself with positive role models. Avoiding groups who depend on drugs can help you avoid pressure to try them yourself.

Educate Yourself on the Dangers Involved

In order to make decisions, you must have the proper information. Don’t take the decision to use drugs lightly. Educate yourself on the risks of any substance you put in your body. Most teenagers aren’t even aware of how dangerous drugs are, and the information they share may not be accurate. According to The Recovery Village, “research has shown that only 11 percent of people who need drug treatment end up getting it. In addition, of all people over the age of 12 with drug use issues, over 82 percent didn’t recognize that they needed treatment, so they didn’t get help.”

Learning the facts about drug use and addiction can help you and those around you. Taking the time to get educated about the dangers of prescription and illicit drugs can alert you to the potential for addiction. Sharing your new knowledge with others spreads education about the dangers of these substances.

Beware of Alcohol

Alcohol is the most abused mood-affecting drug in the United States. Around 70 percent of people who seek help for substance abuse suffer from alcoholism. Although drinking alcohol publicly is illegal for people under 21 in most states, alcohol abuse among teens is a serious problem. According to MedicineNet, “almost half of 10th grade students and nearly 65 percent of high school seniors have admitted to drinking alcohol.” The dangers of alcohol use are larger than potential addiction. While under the influence of alcohol, teens are more likely to make bad decisions and participate in other dangerous behavior. Increased confidence often comes with the use of alcohol. Drivers can overestimate their abilities when they have been drinking. Your decisions regarding the use of alcohol include your surroundings. It is possible to become a victim of someone else’s alcohol abuse.

With the right knowledge, avoiding drug and alcohol abuse is possible. If you or someone you know is already suffering from drug dependence or abuse, effective treatments are widely available. Communication is the most effective way to eliminate this growing problem.

4 Things Teens Should Know When Moving to a New City

Being a teen can be the worst. You’re told to act like an adult, but you’re still treated like a kid. And with all these hormones going crazy, you have to figure out who you are through it all. A move during this time can seem like the worst thing in the world, but it doesn’t have to be. For many, it’s what set them up for success. In the end, you’ll find that moving to a new city, while difficult, can bring great things into your life.

It’s Okay to Feel Insecure

It might not give you a lot of comfort to know that people can be insecure, but you can learn to recognize what people do to cover it up. As the new kid in a new school or block, you may become the target of bullying. While this sort of treatment is unfair, remember that some people will find another person that seems to have it worse or someone that’s new and target them to draw attention away from their own insecurities. Just know that a bully isn’t better than you. Often, they’re an individual who is carrying around pain and would rather take it out on someone else because of personal circumstances.

Source: 11 Things To Tell Yourself When You’re Feeling Insecure | Bustle

You’ll Make New Friends

You are probably leaving behind cool friends when you move to a new city. And despite promises to stay in touch…life happens and distance WILL affect your relationships — but this is not always a bad thing! Don’t be closed off to the people you meet in your new neighborhood because you could end up making some even better friends. In your life, people will come and go. Just because you’re moving, it doesn’t mean that your old friends won’t still be your friends, its just that you will be friends in a different manner. It can seem like the end of the world to leave behind those you feel closest to, but the new place can be filled with people who are just as amazing. Give it a chance.

This is a Chance to Try New Things

Most people would say, “This is a chance for me to reinvent myself.” It’s true. It’s hard to know who you are at this point as you’re still trying to find yourself. You will have some constants throughout your life. Your core personality doesn’t change much, but your taste in music does, and many other likes and dislikes change as well. Now is the time to explore those things. Start listening to different music, look up different ways to make art, and explore the world around you in general. You’re bound to grow and change.

Source: Moving in the Middle of High School | Moving Company Reviews

Reinvent Your Home Life

If home life has been less than ideal, a new place can help you change that to some extent. It’s not going to magically solve problems, but it’s a chance to change your habits. If you’re frequently told to clean your room, try keeping it clean without being told. Parents will definitely appreciate this. If communication with your parents or guardians has become difficult, try opening up about how you feel. Chances are that they’re on your side, but they may not know how to express it the right way.

Source: Building Strong Family Relationships | University of Delaware

Don’t let the new place scare you. As the start of a new chapter in your life, moving to a new city will bring with it a whole host of changes. It’s an exciting time and might turn out to be one of the most amazing things that ever happens to you.