Self-Mutilation Defined

There have been several recent news articles involving self mutilation involving famous people, including actresses Angelina Jolie and Demi Lovato. Although Demi Lovato denies the allegations, Angelina Jolie admits to cutting (a form of self-mutilation) when she was younger. Famous musician Marilyn Manson also spoke out saying he does not advocate self mutilation after cutting himself 158 times in the face and arms after breaking up with a girl friend. A recent movie released in the UK depicts some very graphic forms of self mutilation, and MTV's Real World is dedicating a special episode about self-mutilation after learning one of the girls on their show is a cutter. Having read these articles, and in fear some of these stories may glorify or entice teen self mutilation, we have decided to do a series of posts on self mutilation, in hopes of educating anyone who has considered self mutilation and to help those who may need help to stop hurting themselves.

What is Self-Mutilation?
Self-mutilation, also known as self-injury, self-harm, self-abuse, or self-inflicted violence, is when someone deliberately harms their own body without the intent to commit suicide. Here are five common elements associated with self-injury behaviors:

1. The injury is done to the person's own body.
2. It is done by the person.
3. It involves physical violence.
4. The injury is intentional.
5. There is no conscious intent to commit suicide.

Self inflicted violence, includes but is not limited to the following:

• picking the skin
• hair pulling
• cutting
• punching
• head banging
• bruising
• burning
• branding
• scratching
• bone breaking
  

The most common forms of self mutilation amongst teens, and perhaps the least noticeable, are cutting, skin picking, and hair pulling.

In future posts we will cover why teens self mutilate, who is at risk, and what signs to look for.

Teen Gambling

Teen gambling is increasingly becoming more popular in nearly every state. Statistics show that about 75-80% of all teens admit to some form of gambling. It used to be that only states that had legalized gambling, and their neighboring states, typically needed to worry about teenagers participating, or becoming addicted, to illegal gambling. However, now many teens are participating in betting on school and professional sports, gambling online, and forming groups that get together (often in homes) for poker games. Many teens have become fascinated with poker since championship poker games are now being televised. Online gambling is also becoming a huge problem for teens, the online casinos do what they can to prevent underage gambling and have legal disclaimers for anyone who uses their sites illegal, but there is no way for them to monitor or prevent teens from using their site.

Not only does teen gambling lead to terrible financial problems and debt but can also lead to lying, stealing, and illegally using credit cards. Some teens feel they are doing nothing wrong by getting together with their friends for a friendly little game of poker, using their own money, and spending only $20-$50 a night on poker. But, the fact is no matter how they justify it, it is still illegal and they may be prosecuted for it. And if they are doing these things in a private home the parents or homeowner may also be held responsible.

Beyond the legal and financial problems associated with gambling is the fact that there are also many other factors, or things going on, that are associated with the gambling. Teens who are associated with gambling are more likely to be surrounded by or participating in binge drinking, using drugs, and cutting school. And if they are spending their time gambling they are not spending time with family, doing their homework, or participating in activities that will help them learn and grow. This can lead to difficulty in family relationships, poor grades, and many other things that are associated with lack of physical exercise.

Teen gambling statistics show that of the 75-80% of teens who admit to gambling only about 10% of them go beyond social gambling to pathological or have a gambling addiction.

Below are a few signs that may indicate a teen has a gambling problem:

• Starts selling personal belongings.
• Borrows money from friends and family without repaying it.
• Steals and lies.
• Has large amounts of unexplainable cash.
• Has debt that cannot be explained.
• Strangers call on the phone with increasing frequency.
• Withdrawal from regular social groups and activities.
• Makes "900" number calls to gambling numbers.
• Displays signs of stress and anxiousness or depression.
• Truancy from school or work.
• Breaks curfew regularly.
• Spends hours on online gaming sites.
• Obsession with sports scores.

There are many support groups for people who are addicted to gambling. If you or a loved one may have a gambling problem get help now.