Signs of a Problem Teen Drinking

However, research has shown that underage drinking is a significant public health concern in many countries around the world and that many teens report drinking alcohol at least occasionally. When your teen abuses alcohol, it’s easy to judge yourself or negatively compare your family to others. But it’s worth remembering that the teen years don’t last forever. With your guidance and support, your child can learn to resist the allure of underage drinking and, if they later choose to do so, develop a healthy, responsible relationship with alcohol when they reach adulthood.

However, if you feel that your child will be exposed to underage drinking, finding a way to talk to them about alcohol can be crucial in either preventing them from starting or curbing any existing alcohol use. Since alcohol is a depressant, using it to self-medicate can make problems even worse. If your child is regularly drinking on their own or drinking during the day it could be they’re struggling to cope with a serious underlying issue. You can help by fostering a relationship with your child where they feel that they can be open and honest with you, rather than being immediately disciplined. Overall, up to 12% of young people ages 12 to 20 years old meet the criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence.

How To Prevent Teenage Alcoholism

Please note, adolescents have many different issues that need to be addressed in different ways, and treatments for adolescents are often different than for adults. For example, there are no alcohol treatment medications that have been approved for adolescents to use. Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp. It’s a pretty safe bet that most of our children, in high school and in college, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ will be in social situations in which people drink in unwise and sometimes downright dangerous ways. Before talking with your teen, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider who specializes in addiction to obtain guidance.8 They can help walk you through ways to support your teen without blame or lecturing. The types of confrontational interventions you see on TV can lead to shame and a refusal to get treatment.

An intervention from loved ones can help some people recognize and accept that they need professional help. If you’re concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person. Mental-health professionals should not minimize the approach to those who have experimented with alcohol, since infrequent use can progress to the more serious stages of alcohol use if not addressed. However, medical professionals have not approved any of these medications to treat alcoholism in people less than 18 years of age.

Alcohol can impair brain development

Explain to your teen that this lack of privacy is a consequence of having been caught using alcohol. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/teenage-alcoholism-dangers-of-underage-drinking/ Consider connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail. If you notice any of these early warning signs, don’t be afraid to talk to someone about it.