Abstinence: Rewarding Experience

In 1913, sex education became a topic that was found to be an important education tool. Since then, this form of education has been a hot and debatable topic among many Americans. The original reason for sex education classes was to reduce problems such as sexually transmitted illnesses and prostitution. In recent years, abstinence has become the focus of sex education curriculum. Abstinence means refraining from sex completely. Although, it is the only one-hundred percent way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, abstinence-only instruction should not be the only form of sex education taught. Our youth need to know about all aspects of sex. This intails how to protect them if they choose to become sexually

Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective – in both preventing pregnancies and most sexually transmitted infections. If you choose to be abstinent, then you have decided not to have any type of sexual relations. Learn some of the reasons why people choose to abstain as well as the benefits from this behavior. Discover the difference between continuous and complete abstinence. Read advice on how to stay abstinent and when to make the decision about using abstinence as your contraceptive method. Possible pitfalls people face when choosing this method are also examined.

Addiction is a theme that has been present throughout my life through members of my family and myself. My father was addicted to gambling and alcohol until finally, his drinking ended his life. My brother struggles with alcohol and keeping ahead of his problematic drinking. I have several cousins that float between alcohol and drugs to fulfill the need for an outside substance. For many years, I pondered how I had escaped the addiction curse in my family only to realize that my addiction is food. I overeat and self-sooth through food even though I have health concerns and know a better way. I spent most of my young adulthood angry at my father because he could not or would not change for his family. I am understanding more through education

Additional research has explored the effects of abstinence based programs on actual behavior outcomes. Kohler, Manhart, and Lafferty (2008) compared the effects of abstinence-only and comprehensive sex education programs, operationalizing effectiveness in terms of initiation of sexual activity and teen pregnancy rates. They found that teenagers who received comprehensive sex education rather than abstinence-only or no education were significantly less likely to report a teenage pregnancy. In addition, their conclusions mirrored Sather and Kelly (2002), finding that abstinence-based programs did not reduce the likelihood of engaging in sexual activity. Kohler, Manhart, and Lafferty (2008) actually concluded that comprehensive sex education was more likely than abstinence based to reduce the percentage engaging in sexual activity. Overall, the researchers showed that comprehensive sex education, including but not limited to contraception, did not increase the prevalence of sexual activity in teenagers or the risk of teen pregnancy, while also showing the that abstinence only education produced a higher likelihood of pregnancy.

I gave up caffeine for the 30 days of abstinence project. I drink iced coffee almost everyday even when its cold, and I drink soda everyday multiple times. I started drinking soda at a very young age, but my intake increased when I was a teenager. Drinking caffeine has had a negative impact on my body. I have gained a lot of weight from drinking soda. Also when I drink coffee my stomach hurts, but I drink it anyways to get through the day. I am well aware of how caffeine negatively impacts me, but that doesn’t make it easy for me to stop drinking caffeine.

In 2005, nearly half of all high school students have had sexual intercourse. Plainly stating that abstinence programs do not work (USA Today). Abstinence programs were beneficial many years ago, but since they are ineffective in delaying teen pregnancy, then teen pregnancy rate has increased. Abstinence programs teach the “no sex until marriage” clause, but they don’t teach teens about birth control and the consequences of having sex at before they’ve matured. Although many studies argue that abstinence programs are educational and beneficial, other studies will show that they don’t delay teen sex, they don’t prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and are a waste of taxpayers’

Over a period of 28 days, I decided to give up consuming all Chick-fil-a products and thought the task would be easy for the experiment. However, this trial in my life seemed to be one of the hardest things that I have ever attempted. My thinking revolved around that handling not having this choice of food for a month would not take that much effort and I could get my easy grade by participating in this activity. In a way, the experiment served as a growing factor for those who struggle with addiction and those who don’t understand the strain of addiction. I came to the understanding that struggling is not as easy as some people think it is. In my opinion, another person can never understand the struggle of addiction unless they are involved in some form or fashion.

After reading about the abstinence experience assignment, giving up the daytime show “The Young and the Restless” came to mind. However, my immediate answer to myself was “no way.” I attempted to think of something else that would be more difficult. I find it odd that dieting did not come to mind during my pre-contemplation stage. I kept trying to come up with something other than giving up my favorite show. I attempted to minimize the impact that missing the show would have on me by telling myself that the Young and the Restless show really is not be a big deal ; I needed to find something else that would give me a true feel for what a person who is attempting to abstain from drug use would experience. However, I decided

Where in the first world would one expect the teen pregnancy rate to be the highest? Surprisingly, it is the United States that has the highest teen pregnancy rate of any first world country, more than double the rate of twenty other first world countries and almost ten times greater than that of Switzerland. While some of the disparity can be attributed to factors such as income inequality, the presence of abstinence only education has a major impact on birth and STD rates in the United States in comparison to other countries with more comprehensive programs. It is clear that this difference in approaches has a significant effect, and the United States needs to act to ensure the health of its citizens. Urgent actions are necessary

Truly, this activity has taught me a lot about the addiction process. The number one things that it has taught me is how easy it is to relapse and that recovery is an on going process. I am now trying to quit caffeine again, and know that there is a good chance I might relapse again. This can be very frustrating and discouraging for addicts, but sadly it is a reality. Just like they say at AA meeting once an alcoholic always an alcoholic. Also there are a lot of treatment plans that clearly state that addiction isn’t something that can be cured. Like I said I learned a lot, but his is what has stuck with me the most.

The intentional withholding and misinformation given by AOUM programs threatens the fundamental human rights to health and information. Adolescents need complete and accurate information regarding sexual health in order to protect their health and lives (Santelli et al., 2017). The eight-point federal statutory definition of abstinence education requires programs to withhold information on contraception except to emphasize their failure rates. Keeping adolescents uneducated in regards to contraception and other aspects of contraceptive health is inherently trying to force them into abstinence (Stanger-Hall & Hall, 2011; Ott & Santelli, 2007). This contradicts the ethical principle beneficence as it may lead adolescents to engage in unprotected

Even though Amy Schwarz is not an expert in adolescent development or sexual studies, she is an expert in the legislative system. I learned that politics play an important role in sex education programs from her article. A big reason as to why abstinence only programs are still the preferred sex education curriculum among schools is because of Title X, Community-Based Abstinence Education (CBAE), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Security Act (TANF). It all started with Richard Nixon and the ever increasing teen pregnancy rates. The amount of pressure that was placed upon him to control the numbers of teen moms lead to Title X. I had no clue what Title X was before this article and how it was supposed to “reduce unintended pregnancies by providing

It has been almost thirty three years since the first federal funding was put to use in “. . . sex education programs that promote abstinence-only-until-marriage to the exclusion of all other approaches . . .” according to the article “Sex education” (2010) published by “Opposing Viewpoints in Context;” a website that specializes in covering social issues. Since then a muddy controversy has arisen over whether that is the best approach. On one hand is the traditional approach of abstinence (not having sex before marriage), and on the other is the idea that what is being done is not enough, and that there needs to be a more comprehensive approach. This entails not only warning against sex, but also teaching teens about how to have

In its basic form, abstinence is not using addicting substances. Aa Milhoen, (2018), wrote abstinence is a process of change and in turn healing. Healing involves the physiological, psychological, and social damage which were caused by substance dependence. Twelve Step Facilitation (TSF), based on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has abstinence as the treatment goal. However, MBRP and Cognitive Behavior treatment has as their goals reducing substance craving acceptance, awareness, and nonjudgment.

Teenage sexual activity has sparked an outcry within the nation. With such activity comes a high price. Studies have shown that there has been a significant rise in the number of children with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), emotional and psychological problems, and out-of-wedlock childbearing. Sex has always been discussed publically by the media, television shows, music and occasionally by parents and teachers in educational context. Teens hear them, and as the saying goes, “monkey see, monkey do”, they are tempted to experiment with it. Therefore, it is important for every teenager to be aware of the outcome associated with premature-sex. If students are educated about the impact of