According to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), an substance use disorder (SUD) involves patterns of symptoms caused by using a substance that an individual continues taking despite its negative effects. Though there are 11 specific DSM-5 criteria for an SUD, they…

As the integration of technology into schools is becoming prevalent, school counselors and educators must work together to identify students who may be suffering from digital addiction. As a student advocate and leader within their schools, school counselors are in an optimal position to educate school staff, students, and community members on the…

Substance use and other addictive behaviors can last throughout the lifespan and lead to other health issues. Adolescents are not immune to addiction or addictive behaviors and are more likely to experience curiosity and to engage in experimentation. Historically, addiction has been a topic that has been avoided or stigmatized. Further, the use of…

School-based mental health professionals are in an ideal position to intervene and prevent problematic substance use among adolescents (Lasser & Schmidt, 2010). Although specialized graduate training in addictions is commonplace for clinical, counseling, and social work, it has not been as readily available in preservice programs for school…

Internet gaming has become an increasingly popular activity among youth. Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is currently included in the "DSM-5" as a condition for further study. This article discusses the rationale and implications for the proposed disorder's inclusion to the "DSM-5." While IGD is a proposed disorder, it shares…

Since 2003, nonprofit organization Common Sense Media has studied the ways in which kids are growing up in the digital age. In this interview, research director Michael Robb shares recent findings about the media habits of young children, tweens, and teens. While the news coverage of these issues tends to be hyperbolic and alarming, Robb explains,…

Teenager anxiety can be fueled by the online social interactions of today's youth. Comparing one's life with others, coping with bullying behaviour, seeking acceptance from peers, and digital addiction can all have a role in the rising anxiety today's teenagers are experiencing. Educators and parents have an important role to play in teaching…

A Swedish mutual support group for young problem gamblers is described and discussed. During the study period, 116 weekly meetings occurred, usually involving six to ten participants; in total, 69 problem gamblers (66 male and three female), aged 17-25, and 23 partners and friends attended the meetings. Half the gamblers had problems with Internet…

This article discusses strategies professional school counselors can use to recognize and intervene with students who are presenting with signs of addictive behaviors. First, the authors present a definition of addictive behaviors. The authors then define and discuss the most common addictive behaviors impacting adolescents, with a special…

Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and mental human development that occurs between child hood and adulthood. Adolescent period starts with puberty. The period during which the capability for sexual reproduction is attained; it is marked by changes in both primary and secondary sexual characteristics and is dated from menarche in…

This article examines the impact of childhood sexual abuse on young adult lesbians' sexual identity and their recovery from chemical dependency. The authors recommend that counselors assess for sexual orientation (past and present), sexual abuse, and possible dual diagnosis. Implications for counselors are discussed.

This paper, details from an educational perspective the reasons graffitists give for their involvement in graffiti. Data gathered from interviews, web-blogs and newspaper reports were analysed within the grounded theory tradition allowing the core category of, "addicted to the risk, recognition and respect that the graffiti lifestyle provides" to…

Cigarette smoking has steadily declined among adolescents during the last fifteen years, although use of some tobacco products, like cigars, has seen recent increases. However, large numbers of teens continue to use tobacco products. This "Adolescent Health Highlight" presents key research findings; describes prevalence and trends; illustrates…

A metaphorical intervention is introduced for counseling professionals, utilizing the terminology of hold 'em poker, the current game of choice among juvenile populations. This metaphor serves as a guide for counselors when assisting adolescents and young adults in developing healthier life choices and deterring potentially impulsive behaviors,…

Adolescent gambling is a major social problem in North America. Over the years this problem has given rise to a number of theoretical explanations. This paper argues that the existing explanations of youth gambling underestimate the influence of broader structural forces conducive to youth gambling problem and, instead, provide micro analyses that…