Teen Overviews

What are illicit drugs? Why do people use them? What are the effects on the body of using drugs? Are some drugs more dangerous than others? What is addiction? Why are some people able to stop using drugs at will while others become addicted? Respected science author Magaret O. Hyde and Yale University School of Medicine physician John F. Setaro take a fresh approach to the problem of drug abuse among teens. This book looks at drugs and drug abuse honestly and realistically, from a review of the intoxicating and health effects of drugs to the war on drugs to the debate over legalization. The authors' straightforward descriptions of the physical, psychological, social, and legal effects of drug use will be highly informative to those teens in the process of making a decision of about drugs. The book will also benefit the one out of ten American teens who have already used drugs-and will be invaluable to the many for whom drugs have become a dependency. A self test for drug dependency and a list of website for organizations that can provide further information and assistance complete this practical, teen-friendly guide.

Did you know that smoking is the most common drug addiction in the United States? Or that it can take only a single cigarette to become addicted? Packed with information on how smoking and second-hand smoke affect the human body, the debate over the right to smoke, the status of lawsuits against tobacco companies, and much more, this in-depth resource concludes with a detailed section on how to quit the deadly habit.

Tests, rules, team tryouts, dating, injuries, illnesses, bullies-stress is with young adults every day. This highly readable book looks at the causes and consequences of stress, covering topics such as the health effects of stress, stresses specifically faced by teens, and practical advice on how to manage stress.

Many people search for spiritual meaning, hope, comfort, and inner peace in their personal lives. The most common path to spirituality around the world is through religion. Although the variety of religions may seem endless, many similarities exist among the major religions of the world, including the belief in one or more gods and the honoring of rituals, stories, ceremonies, codes of conduct, and doctrines, or sets of teachings. In this well-balanced report, respected authors Margaret O. Hyde and Emily G. Hyde take an honest look at religion in the lives of young people. This book explores the many different religions around the world, from the ten most common religions-Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Baha'ism, Confucianism, Jainism, and Shintoism-to modern expressions of spirituality and more. It also offers fascinating information on a field of research known as neurotheology, the study of the neurobiology of the brain and religion. Scientists are learning more about where in the brain religious thoughts take place and what it means to be human.

Becoming sexually involved with another person is a big step in your life. It's something to think about on your own long before you have to make a decision with anyone, even the partner you love deeply. It is probably one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Sixty-seven percent of sexually experienced teens say they wish they had waited longer before having sexual intercourse. Through case studies and information from experts, Safe Sex 101 provides the overview teens need to understand abstinence, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, and unplanned pregnancies, and how these can affect their lives.