Angry teens need a healthy way out

Over the past three days I heard some startling stories of frustration that erupted into violence.  A microwave oven that was thrown out of a third floor window.  A car driven in reverse at full throttle until hitting a parked car.  A sibling pushed through  glass door.

Some of the angry teens I work with define themselves as rage addicts.  Out in the extreme emotion they claim a type of dominance over their troubles.   But as relationships break and consequences with the law and elsewhere mount, the appearance of control becomes harder and harder to maintain.  And the very frustration that is fueling the rage becomes even more entrenched.

Fortunately, there is a way out.  One of the joys of our graduation weekend at The Family Foundation School is that alumni return and share their example of living successful lives in the 12 step mode.  As one alumni, now entering his final year of college shared with a group of us.  “The 12 steps are not just for addicts and drunks.  It’s a way of living that can deal with any problem whatsoever.  And who doesn’t have problems?”