Suicide and Self-Destructive Behaviors

Sixteen-year-old Draven dresses like the un-dead. Thirteen-year-old Kristen slices her thighs. Fifteen-year-old Jamal rides BMX bikes in competition. What do these teens have in common? They are all taking risks. Though many teens seek independence and thrills through activities that can harm them, risk-taking in adolescence does not have to be self-destructive. This book takes an honest look at the five most self-destructive behaviors: substance abuse, risky sex, self-injury, eating disorders, and suicide. Causes, consequences, and treatment options are examined, and the final chapter provides healthy less-risky alternatives teens can take to accomplish their independence-seeking goals. Sidebars, easy-to-understand statistics, and real-life case studies make this an informative, interesting read for teens who seek to understand high-risk behaviors, their consequences, and how to avoid them. Title Page Contents Introduction Chapter 1: A Matter of Degree: Pushing the Limits Doesn't Have to Cause Harm Chapter 2: Chemical Enhancement: Substance Abuse from Rehab to Rave Chapter 3: Risky Relationships: Casual Sex in a World of STIs Chapter 4: Self-Injury: It's Not What You Think Chapter 5: Eating Disorders: Pursuing Perfection in an Air-Brushed World Chapter 6: Suicide: A Permanent Fix for Temporary Problems Further Reading For More Information Glossary Index Picture Credits Biographies Blank Page Examines the causes and consequences of five self-destructive behaviors in teens, offers treatment options, and identifies less-risky alternatives that support teenagers' independence seeking goals