What is addiction? Merriam-Webster.com defines addiction as the compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; persistent, compulsive use of a substance known to be harmful by the user. Drug or alcohol addiction is a disease with a destructive pattern. There is a physical dependence that drives the addict with an overwhelmingly strong desire…

What is a Suicidal Ideation? Suicidal Ideation is a medical term meaning thoughts about or an unusual preoccupation with how to kill oneself. According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. Over 1,500 teens kill themselves each year In 1998, there were 1,520 suicides among 13-18 year olds Approximately 1 in 12 high school students say they have made a suicide…

What is Low Self Esteem? Self esteem is a person’s overall evaluation or judgment of his or her own worth. Low self esteem is a person’s inability to accept himself; having an unfavorable opinion of oneself or lack of confidence or worth. A person with low self esteem has a poor self image. Abraham Maslow, psychologist and creator of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, states that psychological health is not possible…