Are Your Teenagers Drinking?

Alcoholism has been an increasing problem in the country in recent years, and sadly, so has teenage drinking.  A report from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has proven that teenagers drinking alcohol before they turn 15 have an increased probability of becoming alcoholics later on in life. Because of this, there have been numerous anti-alcohol abuse programs established throughout the country, and even the world, to fight the dangers that this problem causes to society and to the teens themselves.

Effects of Teenage drinking:

Adult dependence and alcoholism – Teens who start drinking at an early age are more likely to become dependent to alcohol as adults.  Alcohol addiction is a serious problem that prevents people from becoming effective members of their families and their communities.  Many happy families have seriously been affected by a member with alcohol dependency, especially if it involves the mother or the father.

Poor school performance – Alcohol does not do good things to the human body and mind. Engaging in too much alcohol parties causes them to lose focus in school and their responsibilities as a student.  Most educational issues start with a missed homework or an undone project.  It slowly escalates to missed classes and school days, then comes drop outs entirely.  It endangers their future as a well-educated person, and lessens their chances of pursuing their dreams of a better life.

Drug use – Experts call alcohol abuse as a “gateway” to the abuse of other dangerous chemical substances such as drugs.  Teens who over-indulge in alcohol usually belong to a crowd of people who have the same issues and will slowly find other ways to party.  The effects of drug abuse are ten times more dangerous than alcohol abuse, and if these two problems remain untreated, can lead to very serious psychological, emotional, and health issues, sometimes even leading to death.

Accidents – Forty percent of car crashes resulting to death involve teenagersdrinking.  Alcohol in the body system impairs good judgment and slows down our normally quick reflexes.  It prevents people from reacting in time to avoid danger, and may even cause them to voluntarily do dangerous things that can lead to a fatal and traumatic accident.  Driving under the influence does not only endanger the driver and his passengers, it may also cause harm to other drivers and their passengers, and even innocent pedestrians or passers-by.

Health problems – There are many health risks associated with alcohol abuse, and for developing bodies as in teenagers’, it becomes even more dangerous.  The many health issues may include, but are not limited to, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers, liver problems, malnutrition, and heart disease.  Teenagers are too young to be developing these problems, and have the tendency to overlook the symptoms because they feel too “invincible”.

Depression– The company who influence you to drink more doesn’t necessarily count as good influence, and teenagers with raging hormones are not likely to agree to this.  As far as they are concerned, whoever engages in the same activities as they do are friends. Then comes the underlying psychological issues that cause them to binge drink and the feeling of abandonment from other friends and even family members. “You’re in bad company”, as some would tell you.

Prevention

For teenagers who abuse alcohol, it is common to feel “alone”.  Be vigilant and talk to your kids early about alcohol consumption, and always keep an open line of communication so they feel comfortable in talking to you about any of their problems.  Before they even feel the need to find comfort elsewhere, make them feel that they always have family members to support them in times of need. Discuss alcohol abuse and their effects in your household, so they may be warned about the dangers of this addiction.

Help and Treatment

For teenagers who are already in this dangerous stage, it is important that family and friends support them at this time, and make necessary steps to a successful intervention. Employ the help of an expert if needed, and talk to your teenager about the effects of this horrible habit.  Be sensitive to the issues that cause them to binge drink and emphasize the dangerous effects of teenagers drinking cause on themselves, their families and society.

Margaret Stunn is a freelance writer, a mother of four grown up kids and has spent 20 years writing about family concerns.  Everything that she writes are based on her own personal experiences and extensive research. http://www.giveupalcoholsecrets.com

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