In most American families, parents are overjoyed at the happiness and success of their teenage children. Across America, teenagers are enjoying their “rites of passage,” such as friends, after-school activities, sports, family vacations and their first car. At the same time, little is known about the extreme poverty and desperation that exists on the reservations of Native American communities. Many Native American families still grapple with the pain and anguish their ancestors suffered during the ethnic cleansing and forced relocation of the 1800s, as was the case on the Trail of Tears. A long family tree of mistreatment and undue suffering in addition to ongoing lack of resources and poverty has caused significant hardship among tribal members and families living on most reservations today. As a result of such anguish and desperation, many Native American families living on reservations have been torn apart as alcohol, drugs and family violence have become rampant in their communities. Furthermore, the inaccessibility of most reserves, combined with a lack of resources, proves difficult to provide adequate housing for families. Additionally, American Indians constitute a minority of the least educated, sickest, and poorest people in our country. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Native American youth ages 15-24 and represents 2.5 times the national rate. Why do Native American teens have the highest suicide rate in the country? Poverty, alcohol/drug addiction, and ultimately isolation are factors that contribute to Native American adolescents having the highest suicide rate in the country. America's reserves are among the poorest in the country. High u......middle of the card......is low self-esteem and decreased self-esteem. Furthermore, the lack of positive future prospects and healthy leisure activities can promote boredom, resulting in psychological imbalance in adolescents. Negative life stressors have been found to put all young people at risk for suicide. However, excessive dependencies, long-term poverty, few economic opportunities, and feelings of inadequacy are more prevalent in the lives of American Indian youth (Metha, 1996). Works Cited Ghosh, R.P. (2012, February 11). Native Americans: the tragedy of alcoholism. Retrieved May 21, 2014, from International Business Times: http://www.ibtimes.com/native-americans-tragedy-alcoholism-214046Metha, A. &. (1996). Suicide among American Indian youth: The role of schools in prevention. Journal of American Indian Education, 36(1). Retrieved May 21, 2014, from http://jaie.asu.edu/v36/V36S1sui.htm