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Brian Carlisle, RN, FNP-C, MSLE
CEO
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in the United States, alcohol is the most common drug used by people younger than 21. In fact, it’s estimated that 623,000 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 have a diagnosable substance use disorder–which includes alcohol addiction. As a parent, it’s crucial to understand the signs of teenage alcoholism, so you can get your loved one the help they need.
For young people, problems with alcohol or drugs often surface as a result of anxiety, depression, or trauma. Teens struggling with these mental health issues may drink alcohol to self-medicate. Signs of alcoholism in teens can vary widely. However, the most obvious signs of a drinking problem are often physical. These include:
Substance abuse and mental health challenges increase the risk of alcoholism when teens engage in frequent, heavy drinking. These behaviors may indicate a problem with alcohol:
Many youth exhibit signs of alcohol use disorders that can also be attributed to normal “teenage” behavior. It’s important to take notice if several signs occur simultaneously, if they begin suddenly, and if the behaviors are extreme. Symptoms can vary greatly, but the most common initial signs of teenage alcoholism may include:
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), teens undergo complex developmental changes, especially in their brains. This growth in neurological organization and functioning builds the cognitive, emotional, and social skills necessary for adolescents to survive and thrive. For teens, alcohol poisoning can drastically disrupt, impair, and stunt their brain development.
The long-term effects of alcohol consumption in adolescence can contribute to many physiological and psychological challenges. Most notably, significant mental health issues can develop, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, conduct disorders, antisocial behavior, dependency on other drugs, depression, and suicide. Chronic health problems caused by alcohol abuse are generally not observed in adolescents; however, heavy drinking during the teen years places them at risk for pancreatitis, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, hypertension, and anemia later in life.
Beginning a dialogue with your teen about their alcohol misuse is one of the first steps to helping them. It may be a daunting task, but research shows that parents and guardians significantly influence their teen’s actions.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Research has identified common risk factors that contribute to the development of adolescent alcoholism, which include:
Parents and guardians can positively impact their teen’s approach to drinking.
Here are some tips that can aid in preventing their alcohol abuse:
There are many treatment options to help a teenager stop drinking and begin their recovery from alcoholism. Treatment plans are developed and tailored to the specific needs of the adolescent and designed to reflect their individual strengths, challenges, and goals. Here are some of the most effective, evidence-based treatment interventions:
As a parent, you play a vital role in your teens’ recovery, and supporting them on their road to sobriety is critical to their long-term success. Here are some effective strategies to help support your child’s recovery from alcoholism:
If your teenage child is struggling with alcoholism, they are not alone. Our caring and empathetic team is here to support your teen and your family every step of the way. For more information or to schedule a visit, please reach out to us today.
