Teenage Alcohol Abuse

There are two approaches that can make teenage alcohol abuse even worse. One is the approach that drinking is harmless fun. Another is the approach that it is better for teens to drink alcohol than to use drugs. Adults who have these viewpoints do not seem to realize alcohol is a drug, and that it can be just as dangerous as any other kind of drug. In fact, teens are more likely to be involved in highway fatalities, and to die from alcohol poisoning, than adults who drink.

One reason to discourage teenage alcohol abuse is a teen’s body and mind are not fully developed. Alcohol abuse can prevent him or her from developing properly, as well as increase his or her risk of developing health problems and having accidents. Another reason is underage drinking is illegal. It is never in a youngster’s best interest to encourage him or her to break the law.

The problem is when parents and other adults do not actively discourage teenage alcohol abuse, they are condoning it.

If you pretend to not notice when your teen comes home under the influence of alcohol, you are silently giving him or her the message that you approve. Parents who abuse alcohol can also give teens the wrong message.

If you tell your teen that you cannot relax without taking a few drinks, that parties or celebrations cannot be complete without drinking, or if you cannot take one drink without following it with many more, it is not setting a good example.

Parents who have drinking problems often end up with kids who follow in their footsteps. If you already suspect teenage alcohol abuse in one of your children, you should get help for him or her immediately. There are treatment centers specially designed to meet the needs of adolescents. If he or she is addicted to alcohol, treatment is the best approach. However, if your teen has only started to experiment with alcohol, you can insist that he or she stop immediately.

In addition to informing him or ehr that drinking will not be tolerated, make a point of educating him or her about the dangers of alcohol abuse. If you do not have any teenagers, or if your own teens have no interest in drinking, you can reach out to help other parents and teens. High school students and teens who are going off to college all need to know the reasons they should avoid drinking.

Teenage alcohol abuse awareness programs should be in your community. While helping kids avoid alcohol begins at home, these programs can provide the extra information and help kids need to avoid alcohol. If there are no such programs in your local school, approach the school’s administrator and ask to have a program started. If there is a community center in your area, it can be another good place for an alcohol abuse awareness program.

If you know parents who allow their kids to drink, be courageous enough to step in and talk to them. They may feel you are interfering, and even become angry, but your concern might save their child’s life. When it comes to teenage alcohol abuse, it is everybody’s problem. Equally important, it is up to everybody to take an active role in the solution. You may not be able to save the lives of every teenager who drinks, but you may be able to save one.

There should be numerous safeguards against teenage drinking. The best safeguard begins at home. When you take the time to educate your own children, it can help him avoid pressure from peers and the media. While it is good to say drinking alcohol is unnecessary, and underage drinking cannot be tolerated, it is better yet if you set a good example. When kids see their parents can enjoy social settings, have fun, and relax without drinking, they are more likely to copy your healthy habits.

If drinking is a part of your everyday life, you may wish to consider quitting for your teen’s sake. Become educated about the dangers of alcohol abuse, and communicate this information effectively to your youngsters. In turn, they may communicate it to their friends, and there will be fewer kids in your community engaging in teenage alcohol abuse. They can grow up without putting their lives and health in danger.

Comments are closed.