As adolescents mature, they undergo complex developmental changes, especially in their brains. The widespread changes in the organization and functioning of the brain—which continue into a person’s mid-20s—bring about the cognitive, emotional, and social skills necessary for adolescents to survive and thrive. The nature of these rapid changes may also increase the adolescent brain’s vulnerability to alcohol exposure. At The Recovery Village, we are available to confidentially discuss your family’s situation with you, free of charge and with no obligation. We can help you determine the next steps and if a teen alcohol rehab is the right solution for you. Don’t turn a blind eye to your teen’s alcohol abuse — get them the help they need.
Teen Drinking: Limits vs. Punishment + What to Say
- With that said, some research suggests that people who drink alone as teenagers are likely to develop AUD as adults.
- If they drink and then drive or get into a vehicle driven by someone else who’s been drinking, that mistake could be a fatal one—for them or someone else.
As drinking alcohol can lower inhibitions, it’s also more likely that teenagers might engage in risky behaviour and can result in things like getting into fights, drink-driving or having unprotected sex. In addition to the many negative health impacts that are caused directly by drinking, young drinkers are especially vulnerable to fatalities related to alcohol abuse. It’s common for parents to think that if they allow their teenager alcohol in moderation while they’re in a safe environment, such as a glass of wine with dinner at home, this will lead to a better relationship with alcohol. Parents should actively encourage their teenager to delay drinking any alcohol for as long as possible. While teen drinking rates are declining, it is still present and teens should be able to be prepared to navigate peer pressure and the avaability of alcohol.
Teen Binge Drinking Statistics
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About Underage Drinking
While, binge drinking does not necessarily make you an alcoholic, it is one of the primary contributing factors to teenage alcoholism. Once a high tolerance for alcohol is achieved, young drinkers can easily find themselves experiencing an alcohol use disorder (AUD), either while still underage or in their later years. In adults, drinking alcohol impairs decision-making and impulse control, and can lead to a range of negative consequences.
Binge drinking and alcohol poisoning
In addition, high school students who drink are also more likely to drop out of school. Even if they remain in school, teen alcohol use can create social problems such as losing friends as well as other issues in their relationships. Many young people start experimenting with alcohol during their teenage years, especially when teenage alcoholism they’re socialising. It can be difficult to strike a balance between keeping your teen healthy and safe and giving them the freedom to experience their teenage years to the fullest. By role modelling moderate drinking behaviours and setting clear expectations, you can teach your teen how to manage the effects of alcohol.
There are studies to indicate that medications that treat seizures, like gabapentin (Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax), can help reduce drinking in individuals with alcoholism. However, there is little data about the use of these medications for the treatment of alcoholism in people under 18 years of age. During those years of transition between childhood and adulthood, the brain grows and changes in many important ways that are crucial for that transition to be successful.
Check for Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
- It may be that their new friends are encouraging this negative behavior.
- The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.
- With these guidelines can help you identify the best ways to talk to your child about alcohol, address potential underlying problems that may be triggering their alcohol use, and help them to make smarter choices in the future.
- Providers can guide parents and concerned teens to the right facility with adolescent treatment programs and cutting-edge therapies.
- Recognizing AUD in teenagers isn’t always easy, but it can be the first step in offering them the support they need.
