December 15, 2023
Know the factors leading to teenage drinking and how to deal with this alarming issue.
Alcohol doesn't only appeal to adults — teenagers are just as tempted. In fact, they often binge drink. In 2021, 3.2 million people aged 12 to 20 reported drinking excessively in the past month. Meanwhile, around 613,000 engaged in binge drinking on five or more days.
This highlights how alarming teenage drinking is. It's a problem that requires proactive measures from parents and guardians. If you're concerned about your teen struggling with alcohol use, this blog is for you. This feature highlights prevention, open communication, and intervention methods to navigate this challenging issue.
Here are some of the most common factors that trigger teenagers to drink.
Genetics has something to do with one's likelihood of developing an alcohol use disorder. According to research, about 50% of alcoholism is linked to one's genetic makeup. It means that when someone in the family has alcoholism, your teenager is predisposed to struggling with the same issue.
Stress, family circumstances, school pressure, traumatic experiences, and mental health issues can prompt your teen to turn to alcohol as a way to cope. While alcohol offers instant gratification, it being a depressant can exacerbate these problems.
During teenage years, people spend more time with friends than with their family. It comes as no surprise that peer pressure is a prevalent factor that causes underage drinking. Pushed by the desire to belong and gain acceptance, teens become more prone to engage in drinking when their peers do.
TV shows, films, print, and social media often portray teens drinking alcohol as cool people. They help create a positive perception of a substance that's dangerous. As your teen feels like they're missing out if they don't join the bandwagon, they could be tempted to try drinking — and start craving it in the long run.
Teenage drinking is a problem that entails creating boundaries and setting clear expectations. Establishing rules and effectively communicating those, you can foster a safe, responsible, and supportive environment.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when doing so.
In the US, the law states that the minimum age for drinking is 21. Nonetheless, many minors across the country can still easily access alcoholic beverages. At least, in your household, explicitly state your rules when it comes to alcohol consumption (e.g., they're not allowed to drink until a certain age).
Give a sound rationale for the rules you've stated. This way, you can better convey your care for your teenager. You must share the importance of adhering to them and educate them about the dangers of alcohol.
The kind of environment that people grow up in heavily impacts their behaviors. If you want to promote responsible drinking to your teenager — and other family members — you must be a responsible drinker.
Research shows that maintaining a strong and supportive connection with parents lowers an adolescent's vulnerability to peer pressure, which, as mentioned, is a huge factor that drives teens to drink. So, make sure that you build a home where love and mutual respect are central.
To prevent teen alcohol use, keeping communication lines open is essential. Communication is a crucial pillar that constitutes a safe space for youngsters and adults to express their concerns.
It encourages honesty: Parents and guardians like you can educate your teen about the risks of alcohol. On your teen's side, they become more open to talking about the things that prompt them to drink alcohol.
Dealing with teenage alcohol? Below are some techniques for creating a safe space for dialogue.
You might be wondering how alcohol can affect your teenager's health. You might ask questions like, "Does drinking affect my teenager's brain?"
To start, know that alcohol poses many dangers. Excessive consumption, in particular, is linked to many harmful effects. These range from developing heart and liver diseases, digestive issues, and various cancers to having a weakened immune system and poorer overall cognitive function.
Given all these consequences, many people — especially young ones — still engage in too much drinking. Apart from the presence of alcohol in your teenager's belongings, these are the behavioral and physical signs of alcohol use to watch out for:
If you suspect your teen is drinking, the key is to approach the situation with empathy — not anger. As stated previously, you must foster open communication to genuinely show you care.
When confronting a teenage loved one about their drinking, you must stay calm. Speak clearly, conveying that you are there to help them out and not judge them. As a parent or guardian, remember to take responsibility for your teen's health.
Because alcohol use is a multifaceted issue, it demands guidance from professionals. That's why you must also seek help from healthcare experts. Fortunately, many alcohol addiction treatment centers offer alcohol counseling and other alcohol-related programs that can be tailored to fit your teenager's specific circumstances.
Apart from enlisting professionals' assistance, you must also educate yourself about teenage alcohol abuse. In the US, these are the organizations that provide resources and help.
Before teenage alcohol use becomes even a real issue, you must undertake prevention strategies to protect your teenager from the addictive substance. Here's what you can do.
Stay abreast of your teen's plans and whereabouts, emphasizing that it's your way of showing you care about them. At your home, also track alcohol supply and restrict unsupervised parties.
Teenage life can be stressful. To prevent your teen from turning to alcohol to cope, promote healthier alternatives. Support them as they pick up alcohol-free hobbies like music and arts.
Collaborate with other parents, teachers, and community organizations to initiate supervised projects and activities in which teens can participate. These can include sports leagues, clean-up drives, fitness classes, environment initiatives, and art festivals.
alcohol addiction treatment
Teenage drinking is an alarming issue, and it requires proactive measures and a deep understanding of the factors contributing to it. You must foster open communication, promote healthy coping mechanisms, and participate in community- and school-led initiatives to create a supportive environment for your teenager.
If they're already drinking, seeking help from professionals is a must. You, alongside healthcare experts, must provide ongoing support and guidance to lead them to sobriety.
Looking for someone to help you give your teenager another chance at a purposeful life? Get in touch with Another Chance Rehab now. We are located in Portland, Oregon.
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