What is "Teen Gap"?

There is a "gap" in the medical care teenagers with cancer are receiving, because sometimes adolescents with cancer are cared for by physicians who usually treat adults with cancer. Teens usually have a better chance of survival if they were treated by specialists in childhood cancer. Teenagers like to think of themselves as adults, not children, but the one time they need to be treated like children is when they have cancer and are choosing a physician to treat them.During the initial period, it is imperative that the teen uses this time for reflection and without any outside influence. During this period, Ironwood encourages frequent letter-writing to his or her family.

What problems can teen substance abuse cause?

Substance abuse can lead to serious problems such as poor schoolwork, loss of friends, problems at home, and lasting legal problems. Alcohol and drug abuse is a leading cause of teen death or injury related to car accidents, suicides, violence, and drowning. Substance abuse can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, because of unprotected sex. Even casual use of certain drugs can cause severe medical problems, such as an overdose or brain damage.Any use of a substance by your teen should be taken seriously. If you believe your teen is abusing one or more substances, perhaps the most important thing you can do is encourage open communication with him or her. Try to be nonjudgmental and emotionally supportive during this time.

What is teen substance abuse?

Even though many teens try alcohol or drugs, using these substances is neither safe nor legal.

What if my teen has a prescription?

You should know what your child is taking and what type of drug it is. If you don't, we encourage you to read the label and call your local pharmacist. For example, Vicodin is an opiate, Ritalin is an amphetamine, and most anti-anxiety drugs are benzodiazepines. These ARE drugs and will show up as positives on our kits, just like they're supposed to.There is a "gap" in the medical care teenagers with cancer are receiving, because sometimes adolescents with cancer are cared for by physicians who usually treat adults with cancer. Teens usually have a better chance of survival if they were treated by specialists in childhood cancer. Teenagers like to think of themselves as adults, not children, but the one time they need to be treated like children is when they have cancer and are choosing a physician to treat them.

How do I nominate a teen for the YLT?

First you need to download the nomination form. If you have any trouble downloading or opening the form, please call Michael Rosst at 202.478.8507 and he will mail or fax you a copy. As the nominator, you must fill out section A and have the nominee and their parent or guardian complete sections B, C, and D. All parts of the application should be submitted together via fax, email or mail by August 3, 2007.During the initial period, it is imperative that the teen uses this time for reflection and without any outside influence. During this period, Ironwood encourages frequent letter-writing to his or her family. Ironwood respects the troubled teen's privacy and will not read any outgoing or incoming mail. Youths are required to write at least two letters to parents per week.

Who else will be in the program with my teen?

Typically, Ironwood works with troubled teens between the ages of 13 and 18 and who will most probably benefit from an extended period of treatment within the therapeutic environment of adventure-based counseling and therapy programs. Ironwood works with troubled youth who are typically disengaged from the family and are out of control. some suffer from histories of unmanageable, irresponsible behavior. others have tried previous treatments attempts at change that have failed them.Any use of a substance by your teen should be taken seriously. If you believe your teen is abusing one or more substances, perhaps the most important thing you can do is encourage open communication with him or her. Try to be nonjudgmental and emotionally supportive during this time. In most cases, aggressive confrontation only serves to further isolate the teen from the family. The type of treatment your teen needs depends on his or her level of substance abuse.