Product Description
The Real Deal

Life is tough. You’ve got questions. You’ve got choices…and the results are yours to live with. So go ahead—do a little investigating and discover the answers for yourself. The graphically captivating books in the FlipSwitch series are the real deal. They unashamedly tackle pressing issues that you face every day. After pinpointing God’s solution, they offer practical steps that will help you take your life in the right direction…without a doubt. Check ’em out:

HEAT : Sex. A huge reality check complete with stats and facts on who’s doing it and who’s paying for it (STD information).

BLUR : Who defines you? A startling glimpse into the reality of your self-image.

SPLIT : Divorce. Guidance as your own or your friends’ parents go ring-less.

BUZZ: Drugs and alcohol. What you need to know about beer, bongs, weed, tobacco, and other tempting substances.

Story Behind the Book

A team of youth pastors approached Multnomah with the need for a visual pivotal-issues series for teens—something that would enter into their world and confront the stuff they actually think, talk, and wonder about every day. These products called for a “back of the school bus” feel. Kids don’t get spoon-fed answers; they simply get enough cards on the table to create their own conversations. Now youth pastors everywhere can’t seem to hand out enough of them! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

I'd be more likely to buy it if they left "god" out of it
I think books like this are a great idea, especially for teens.But in my humble opinion, combining important issues that teens deal with like sex, drugs, and divorce with "god" is a mistake.

Let the facts and the issues stand on their own merit...trying to throw "god" into the mix just makes already tough issues even more confusing for teens to sort out.

Phenomenal Stuff For Your Teenagers!
I can't recommend Marcus Brotherton's BUZZ and HEAT enough to young people.Recently in our youth ministry we passed out a number of these books to a group of high school students.They couldn't put them down.It's obvious that the truth and style in which these books are written are highly relevant to youth today.They're edgy.Highly entertaining.Short enough for anyone to read.They are NOT preachy.Most of all they are thought provoking.Marcus has done an amazing job of raising serious questions and answers to serious issues. I highly recommend getting a handful of these books and passing them out to any youth that you know.They will read them.And better yet, they'll deeply consider the truth presented there.

I like this concept
Having worked with youth for over two decades, I'm grateful when a book hits where a teen lives in a relevant way. BUZZ strips away the hype to get real about what drugs and alcohol really do in the live of any person. It offers an alternative message that teens will not only "get", but be able to live.

Suzanne Eller, author and speaker to teens
Real Teen Faith

Tapping the teen mind
Captivating the interest of teenagers and reaching them in a deep way is not an easy task.Many authors have tried and it is my opinion that Marcus Brotherton has accomplished this task with this book, Buzz. Brotherton's radical magazine-like style is challenging, creative, educational and entertaining.Buzz delivers a Christ-centered message about substance abuse in a modern thought provoking way.The style of the book keeps you engaged and looking for more.With stylish pages and a dynamic style, this book will keep teens reading and thinking.Buzz is not too long and the content is to the point and uses a language that teens can relate to.It is clear that Marcus Brotherton has spent extensive time with teens in youth ministry and understands the intricacies of the challenges and temptations that teens face on a daily basis.Brotherton says it like it is - there is no dancing around the issues and the facts in this book.He understands how teens think and helps them to come to discover how they think as well.If you know a teen or young person who is, or might be, struggling with substance abuse like alcohol or drugs, do them a favor and give them this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Foreword by Cardwell C. Nuckols, Ph.D.

Introduction by Reverend Edward A. Malloy, President Emeritus of Notre Dame, Board Member, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse

ALCOHOL: The number one drug of choice for America's youth

Throughout his college years, Toren Volkmann partied like there was no tomorrow.And like so many parents, his mother, Chris, overlooked Toren's growing alcohol problem.But when he graduated, Toren realized that he had become nothing more than a full-blown alcoholic with a college diploma.

Written in alternating chapters from the viewpoints of both mother and son, this is a riveting, enlightening, and heartbreakingly true story of a family that was able to confront the fear, pain, and denial that threatened to destroy them - and survive the epidemic of teenage drinking that is putting America's future at risk.

From Binge to Blackout forces us to look at the choices we are offering our youth: the marketing of alcohol; parents' benign acceptance of heavy youth drinking and ignorance of king-size doses; kids' genetic maps for alcohol dependence; the vulnerable adolescent brain; the labeling of malt liquor forties; and the general nonchalance of government, family and teens towards public drunkenness, liquored-up violence, and the consequences of our alcohol-saturated culture.

From Binge to Blackout festers in the Petri dish of a teen's first drink, and then quickly morphs into a life-destroying rampage.Biting words, both informative and descriptive, identify and address the seductive allure of alcohol and a society chasing its glamour.Mom and son begin the struggle in separate worlds, but by the end of the book, they convince us that we need to work together in dealing with the nation's number one drug of choice: alcohol. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

So helpful and inspiring!
This book should be read by every parent who has pre-teen/teen kids and should be made a mandatory book in every high school. It is a true eye opener and very insperational.

Great book for teens and parents
I bought this book for myself and my 18 year old son to read before he left for college this fall.I read it first and then let him read it.The Volkmann family did a great job of communicating to the reader the dangers of teenage drinking.My son went to numerous parties during high school where alcohol was present.Our son told us about the drinking going on at these parties and I began to realize what a serious problem exists concerning teenage drinking.I hope that many parents will read this book and realize that teenage drinking is not something to be taken lightly.Many parents do not realize what can happen to their teens who take part in this dangerous activity.I encourage any parents of a teen to read this book and then make their teen read it as well and then discuss the book with your child.

PERSONAL TOUCH AND HOPE TO THIS EPIDEMIC DISEASE
I found this to be extremly informative , seeing both sides of bing drinking and the perceptions of the family as well as the Alcoholic. I read this while my son (who also asked for help) was in rehab for his 21st birthday. He is now reading my copy. I found I could identfy with alot of the thoughts/situations as well as the codependent/alcoholic behaviors. As I work on my codependence and my son works on his sobriety I strongly encourage anyone with a teen/young adult afflicted with this disease to read this book.

Great resource
As a high school counselor and child of an alcoholic I found this to be a great resource both personally and professionally.Your candid account of yourjourney for information and for recovery has already givenme insights to help my students and their parents.
Thank you both,

A Must Read!!
This book was very educational and informative. A MUST READ for anybody struggling with alcoholism or who has a loved one struggling with the disease. Very realistic and honest. ... Read more

Product Description
Written specifically for teen, this book looks at life with parents who abuse alcohol and/or other drugs.The authors begin by explaining just what chemical dependence is and its effects.They make it clear that people who abuse alcohol or other drugs have the disease of chemical dependence; that it's not a teen's fault that his or her parens are sick; and that feelings of guilt, confusion, and fear are common in this situation.Practical suggestions, sound advice,and solid resources let teens know that they are not alone and point the way to feeling better about their families and themselves. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Children of Alcoholics
This book is a wonderful resource for children of alcoholics or treatment professionals working with children of alcohohilcs. It is a deeply moving collection of letters, poems and facts.

Insightful, Accurate, Helpful
I wish I'd had this book while I was growing up! I recommend it to young people as well as to their teachers and others who work with youngsters and need a better understanding of what children of alcoholic parents are going through. The poem on the dedication page is especially insightful.The author obviously has a thorough knowledge and understanding of this subject.Don't miss the eye-opening quiz at the beginning of the book! Sincerely, Deanna Hessedal Tiddle (author of "Hold On, Jessica, Don't Let Go," a novel about a child struggling to survive life in an alcoholic home) ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Beautifully Written, Essential Knowledge Inside
This book is so amazing and has helped so many parents I know deal with the everyday trails of teenage parenting.

You owe it to your children to buy this book and learn from knowledge of P.H.D. experts in the field of potential Teenage Dangers.

See for yourself!

Excellent for Parents of Teens!
As a Parent Advocate, this book has extremely valuable information for any parent that may be struggling with their teen.The authors take an approach that is easy to understand and offers insights to today's generation of teenagers.

Must have for parents
Every parent should read this book and then keep it on hand for the inevitable day when the book will be needed as a resource.It is well written, well organized, contains believable excerpts from real experiences, and informs the parent/caregiver in a way that is understandable, albeit terrifying, on what our teenagers face and how they cope.

Finally a manual for parents of teenagers
At last, a book written to help parents and those who work with TEENAGERS understand what is going on in those adolescent brains. I now have a much better understanding of what emotional changes my two teenagers are going through, what behavior I can expect, and what to do if some of the trouble signs clearly outlined in the book start to appear in their behavior.I know that this book has helped me understand them and relate to them with new insight that can only help. Thanks for writing this!

A must read!!
A beautifully written book that allows you to truly understand the perspective of those struggling with adolescence in our present age. Necessary for all who wish to further understand the psychology behind troubled teens and how to prevent their rebellious nature. ... Read more

Product Description
Sober Coaching the Toxic Teen teaches parents and caregivers how to manage two types of drug crises: the young person who is addicted to mind-affecting chemicals or the young person who may not yet be addicted, but has precipitated a crisis involving drugs. Not all teens who use drugs are addicts, yet using any illegal substances put them at risk for all manner of tragedy including the loss of life. This book is a management manual for the frantic parent and a resource for the professional to use with them. The reproducible handouts and worksheets are not only innovative, but important educational tools. This book is arranged so simply and clearly, that any panicked parent will be able to find the answers they need.It is parent-panic friendly and can be used with confidence either personally, with clients, or in community support groups. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

wonderful resource
I share this with parents of the kids I have in treatment...very helpful! I have the facilitator guide too, but it is not really necessary--wonderful resources. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Discussion Starter with Adolescents
I have recently been blessed with the privilege to lead group therapy at a residential home for adolescent girls.Peer pressure is one of the most influential forces in the lives of these girls.I needed a resource that would help me stimulate these young women to think critically about the people whom they allow in their lives.

This book does an amazing job of presenting true-to-life scenarios to be acted out by group participants.Each scenario ends with an unresolved problem, which is proceeded by thought-provoking questions for group discussion.I have witnessed first hand how these vignettes stimulate positive problem-solving.

If you work with adolescents and want to find a resource that truly speaks to the teenage experience, this is the book for you. ... Read more

Product Description

A beautiful adaptation of the best-selling meditation book, just for teens.

Twenty-Four Hours a Day is Hazelden's classic daily meditation book that since 1949 has guided millions of recovering people toward a deeper and more intimate connection with a Higher Power of their understanding. Teens new to recovery or seeking a deeper meaning of the Twelve Steps will discover the power of prayer and be led to create a solid, spiritual foundation. Featuring an inspirational thought, meditation, and prayer for each day of the year, Twenty-Four Hours a Day for Teens offers encouragement, support, and wisdom to help those in recovery continue their path to spiritual and personal growth.

This special version updates some of the archaic language found in the original text but keeps the religion and remains true to the author's original text. Each meditation has been pared down by about one-third and an upbeat internal design will speak to teenagers.

Customer Reviews (1)

meditation books
I bought this book for my daughter. It was very good for any youth in recovery. ... Read more

Product Description
Drawing from personal experience, Kate Williams providessupport for parents seeking help for their teen .Williams helpsparents recognize the signs of a child in crisis, how to findimmediate and effective help, and how to deal with ongoing adolescentissues ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Needed addition in suicide literature
This is the first book I've seen that looks at a suicide attempt from the family's perspective.In so doing, it acknowledges the family's terror, the stigma issues the family faces, and the family's love for their child as they struggle to try to understand and help.

Williams helps parents explore their own feelings about suicide, encourages parents to overcome their reluctance to reach out for help and support, then discusses suicide issues and theraputic approaches.

On one hand, the book seems too simplistic.It doesn't discuss the impact of the suicidal person's moods and behaviours on the family;the terrifying roller coaster of therapists and medication before the right combination is found; the families torn as they try to help their precious child.

But the author's calm, compassionate presentation may be the more useful and helpful approach, particularly for parents who have never been to any kind of mental health professional and are afraid of being blamed for their child's behaviour. ... Read more

Product Description
For centuries millions of young men and women have entered into relationships without the slightest idea as to how to keep their relationship full of life and vibrant. Many will attempt to grasp the ever elusive idea of peace and harmony through the use of sex, their good looks, and or money, but it will be to no avail. After a mentally and physically draining relationship many will ask themselves, what went wrong? I had the sex, the good looks, and or money? Why didn t my relationship work? I spent much of my mind s energy thinking about what one could say to young men and women to renew and perpetuate the ideas of love through communication, trust and respect for their partner as well as for all family members, and how domestic abuse isn t the answer to domestic harmony. Society is aware of how young men and women are being physically and emotionally abused by out of control husband, wives, fathers, mothers, boyfriends and girlfriends. Society is also aware of how family members are being murdered by the hundred each year and how the horror of domestic violence is growing faster than the courts can keep pace. Today s abusers and batterers are no longer seen as husbands, fathers, or boyfriends who love their family, but are seen as a danger to the mental and physical health of all family members. For several years I worked one-on-one with many wonderful men and women who wanted nothing more than to be happy with the person they had chosen to be their partner. I read hundreds of books, attended workshops, and conferences on domestic violence hoping that I would find the answer to stopping domestic violence. I did my best to teach perpetrators of domestic violence non-violent method to problem solving and assist perpetrators of domestic violence with finding better ways to communicate their feelings through effective communications and to understand the feelings of their partner and children. We discussed every feasible problem that could take place in a relationship. And I must say that I was always able to find an answer or solution to every problem with the bottom line being emotional and physical abuse should never be one s answer to solving domestic disagreements. Month after month and year after year I have taught men, women and teenagers who lived the life in street gangs as well as those who work their hearts out to make ends meet. After each person had learned new ways to communicate, trust and improved their self-esteem. I saw them learn to over-come their old desires to control their partner and develop the skills necessary to over-come tremendous social and personal odds that were stacked against them. I saw, men, women and teenagers working their way toward humility to find their gift or genius in life, a path to peacefulness, mastery in self-control, making the right choices, and understanding the consequence of their choices. Of course some perpetrators of domestic violence would relapse and fail, but the number that fail were few. No where else in life is love so necessary than with family. Yet too often people who want nothing more than to love are predestined to hurt the very people they claim to love. We designed this workbook for teenagers and adults who are having a difficult time understanding the importance of living in a non-violent relationship. This workbook will provide teenagers and adults with positive methods of dealing with emotional, physical, economic abuse. As the reader carefully read each chapter and complete each exercise and self-assessment exercise, they should find this workbook useful to all family members regardless of race, educational level, or economic status. The subject material and the choice of words of this workbook is its focal point. The object of this workbook is to talk too the reader and not at the reader. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume reviews a range of empirically supported approaches to prevention and treatment of adolescent substance use problems. The focus is on motivationally based brief interventions that can be delivered in a variety of contexts, that address key developmental considerations, and that draw on cutting-edge knowledge on addictive behavior change. From expert contributors, coverage encompasses alcohol skills training; integrative behavioral and family therapy; motivational interviewing; interventions for dually diagnosed youth; Internet-based education, prevention, and treatment; and applications to HIV prevention. The volume is extensively referenced and includes numerous clinical illustrations and vignettes.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great, but slightly flawed text
This is the best available at this time for working with adolescents who are abusing substances.The only flaw in the text is the chapter on internet treatment.The websites are not always good or appropriate for teens.Otherwise, the text is excellent and with this corrected I would give it 5 stars.

Great review of the latest innovations in early intervention
In difference to the other review I read on this site this book is quite informative. I would be concerned with any text that would attempt to simply spell out how to conduct a broad category of treatments, such as "brief intervention." Instead, this edited book includes work from some of the foremost authorities in the field and even has a few chapters that detail some specific intervention plans that were a burgeoning of therapy modes. Most importantly, the authors dare to present novel yet controversial approaches to framing adolescent substance use and treatment. If "how to" is what you are looking for, you should properly contact the authors of the various chapters as they are mostly associated with training programs and seminars.

Not Enough Practical Info
This book offers a review of current research on substance use in adolescents and college age students, but I was looking for more practical guidance on doing therapy with kids who use drugs, and this was only covered slightly. I was hoping that this would be the main focus of the book, considering the subtitle "reaching teens through brief interventions". It was kind of a let down. ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses the effects of alcohol on the body, the reasons teenagers drink, the problems caused by teenage alcoholism, and possible preventive measures and treatments. ... Read more

Product Description
Examines the problem of drug abuse among young people in the United States, discussing the various drugs that are used and why, consequences of drug use, and ways to prevent and treat this problem. ... Read more