Are you worried that your teen might be drinking or have a problem with alcohol?
Alcohol Use Prevention
Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth, and alcoholism can have the same harmful effects on the brain as any other drug.
There are several warning signs you can look for that might indicate a possible addiction to alcohol or drugs, but these signs could also be a normal phase of of being an adolescent. There is more likely a problem, however, if you notice more than one behavior at the same time or if the behavior occurs suddenly or is extreme (such as binge drinking).
Warning Signs of Underage Drinking in Adolescents
(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
- Mood changes: flare-ups of temper, irritability, and defensiveness
- School problems: poor attendance, low grades, and/or recent
disciplinary action - Rebellion against family rules
- Switching friends and not wanting you to let you get to know the new friends
- A “nothing matters” attitude
- Finding evidence of alcohol use din your child’s room or smelling alcohol on his or her breath
- Memory lapses, poor concentration, bloodshot eyes, lack of coordination, or slurred speech
The sooner you know there is a problem with substance use, the faster you can get your adolescent or young adult the support he or she needs.
Facts About Alcohol Abuse in High School
(Centers for Disease Control and National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
- Alcohol abuse in high school impacts the brain just as hard as other drugs.
- Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States.
- Adolescents who start drinking before age 15 are 6 times more likely to develop an alcohol abuse problem
- 21% of high schoolers engage in binge drinking
- High school students that drink are more likely to:
- Experience unwanted, unplanned, and unprotected sexual
activity, including sexual assault - Commit suicide or homicide
- Have an addiction to other drugs
- Experience unwanted, unplanned, and unprotected sexual
- Shalynn R
High School Senior
How can a teen help another teen with a drinking problem?
First, listen. Listen and don’t pass judgements. Talk to a trusted adult about your concerns. And don’t give up on your friend, even if they aren’t ready to get help. Keep reaching out. Encourage them to talk to someone — a teacher, a counselor, a parent. Urge them to get treatment and offer your support along the way.
And if your friend’s drinking is having an effect on your life, you should consider Alateen. Alateen is part of Al-Anon and is a fellowship of young people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking whether they are in your life drinking or not.
By attending Alateen, teens meet other young people in similar situations and provide strength and support to each other.
How can we prevent underage drinking?
(National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
- Improve the relationship with your child using positive reinforcement; listening and
communication skills; and problem solving techniques - Provide consistent discipline and rule-making
- Monitor your child’s activities through adolescence as they become young adults
Are you worried that a young person in your life might have an alcohol problem? Call CARE at (586)541-2273.
We don’t give up on anyone. We’re here when you’re ready.
