Youth Communication: Topic

For years, the writer's father put alcohol ahead of his family. When he finally admits he’s an alcoholic and enters treatment, he and Jessica are able to connect. (full text)

Heart Closed Down

Olivia's mother has been an alcoholic for most of Olivia's life. Over the years, Olivia copes with the disappointment by shutting down her emotions. Now she'd like some of them back.
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Married to the Bottle

Samantha falls in love with "Joseph" despite warning signs of his alcoholism. Even after she realizes he's a full-blown addict, she keeps trying to help him. (full text)

Losing My Mother

At 17, Hollie must cope with her mother's death from alcoholism. (full text)

Keeping Control

Trying to keep up with older kids, Shantae drinks too much brandy and suffers severe alcohol poisoning. (full text)

Try Talking Instead

Psychologist Ira Moses explains that drugs and alcohol won't cure depression, and gives strategies for getting sober. (full text)

How Drugs Hijack Your Brain

Two therapists with drug treatment experience explain how drugs and alcohol distort the brain's natural functioning. (full text)

Man of the House

The writer is confused and angry when his father starts drinking heavily and can no longer support the family.

Getting Help

A guide to rehab and therapeutic programs for drug abuse.

The Road to Recovery

A parent describes how she became an alcoholic and lost her kids to foster care, and how she recovered and got them back.

Something You Can’t Fix

Advice on what young people should know and do if their parents have a substance abuse problem.

The Doctor Is In

An expert explains the warning signs and effects of drug abuse.

Doing Time in the Hood

When Lakia is placed in a foster home in her neighborhood, she discovers it’s not far enough away to escape the problems she had at home.

Going Home Again

The writer decides to return home after foster care. But she finds her dysfunctional family unchanged.

I Bounced

The writer struggles to separate herself from her substance-abusing family.

No More Clubbing for Me

Fabayo loves the club scene but hates the drugs and drinking that go along with it, and decides she's better off at home watching MTV.

Facing the Problem

Eliott's girlfriend breaks up with him because he has a drinking problem and abuses her verbally. Angered by his loss, he becomes violent and self-destructive. The turning point comes when Eliott admits he has a problem, confronts the roots of his pain, and forgives himself.

Alcohol in the Family

Jessica describes how family members contribute to the alcoholic's addiction and what they can do to help.

My So-Called Holidays

The writer turns to his two old pals when it comes to celebrating holidays: a bottle and a blunt. (full text)