Most people know that smoking is bad for their health. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, however, every day in the United States, more than 3,200 people ages eighteen and younger smoke their first cigarette. Many people don't believe they will become addicted; others choose to vape because they think it's a less dangerous alternative. This book delivers facts about the differences between smoking and vaping, effects on their short-term and long-term health, and how addiction works. Readers will learn strategies for dealing with peer pressure, how to handle addiction, and how to quit smoking altogether.

Navigating the world of birth control can be overwhelming. Many teens don't know where to turn for factual information without judgment. This book lays out the facts about the many forms of birth control, including condoms, the Pill, IUDs, abstinence, and more. It includes vital information about the effectiveness of the various methods and tips on how to maximize their effectiveness. Readers will also learn about the history of birth control and the politics surrounding it. This insightful resource provides readers of all genders with the knowledge they need to make smart, informed choices about their bodies and their lives.

Domestic violence affects millions of people every year, yet many people don't recognize it when they see it. Those who are aware of a domestic violence situation, whether it is happening to them or a loved one, often don't know how to stop it. This book covers physical abuse as well as other forms of abuse that are harder to spot, such as psychological, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse. Readers will learn how to read the signs that a relationship is abusive, understand the abuser's mindset, and learn strategies for getting free and breaking the cycle of abuse.

Uncontrollable anger can be a serious problem for young people, damaging relationships with family and friends, affecting mental and physical health, and causing problems at school and work. However, anger doesn't have to be a destructive force. It can be controlled or channeled into constructive outlets. Learning to manage anger in adolescence can serve as a valuable asset for success and happiness later in life. This book provides information and guidance for managing anger, as well as strategies for dealing with anger triggers and improving communication skills. Features such as "Myths and Facts" clarify common misconceptions about anger.

When someone visits a doctor because of an injury and walks away with a prescription for pain relief medication, that small piece of paper could lead to a serious addiction. For readers looking for the lowdown on opioids, this book delivers the facts, including how opioids affect the brain and why something as innocent as a painkiller can lead to a heroin addiction. This practical guide includes tips for coping with pain without resorting to opioids, and resources for those who are facing opioid addiction. Readers will also learn about the history of opioids and what led to the national opioid crisis.

This accessible primer on adolescent mental health is as relevant as it is thoughtful. In five easy-to-follow chapters, readers will learn to recognize self-harming tendencies, understand the connections between suicide and self-harm, and learn strategies for coping with depression. Sidebars explore the influence of technology and social media on mental health and shed light on communities that are particularly at risk for suicide and self-harm, such as LGBTQ+ teens. Packed with resources, this guide provides self-care tips as well as advice on how to help a loved one who suffers from depression.

This book provides a thorough overview of the risks of unprotected sex, including STIs, HIV, and pregnancy. Readers will learn how to protect themselves and minimize their risks, what symptoms to look out for if they believe they have been infected or impregnated, and where to go for non-judgmental treatment or advice. An objective tone and series-featured sidebars, including Myths and Facts and Ten Questions to Ask a Specialist, will leave readers of all genders and sexual orientations feeling informed, empowered, and in control.

Growing up with a step-parent or step-siblings is very common these days, but it isn't always easy. This honest book delivers the scoop on what it's like to learn to be part of a whole new family unit. Covering a range of scenarios, it provides advice for readers who may be moving away from a beloved parent, dealing with jealousy over a new sibling, coping with custody battles, or being abused by a step-parent. While every family's situation is different, this book teaches teens concrete strategies for improving communications with family members and working through their emotions.

Nicotine-delivery vaping devices that were designed to help adults stop smoking are now being heavily used by teens, including many teens who have never smoked cigarettes. As a result of the widespread use of vaping devices, millions of teens have become addicted to nicotine, often without being aware of the health risks. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, teen vaping is now an epidemic. This insightful volume defines vaping, discusses how the trend began, and uncovers why teens are attracted to this activity. Readers analyze what is being done to help educate teens about the dangers of vaping.

For young people, leading a healthy lifestyle requires education and empowerment. In Understanding Tobacco, readers will explore the social aspects and health effects of tobacco use and addiction, including e-cigarettes, and ways to make healthy choices. Sidebars challenge and expand readers' thinking while relating topics to 21st Century skills and themes--from creativity and innovation to financial literacy. Book also includes a table of contents, author biography, glossary, index, further reading, and suggested websites.