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Alcohol Consumption in Teens
Underage alcohol consumption is one of the most grappling problems among teenagers, and it can have serious, often lifelong consequences for them, their families and their communities. Apart from being illegal, underage drinking poses a high risk to both the individual and society. For example, the rate of alcohol-related accidents is greater for age group 16 to 20 than for 21 and above. Adolescents also are vulnerable to alcohol induced brain damage, which could contribute to poor performance at school.
In addition, teen drinking is associated with an increased likelihood of developing alcohol dependence later in life. Early intervention is essential to prevent the development of serious alcohol problems in later stages of life..
Why do teens take to alcohol?
- The popularity of binge drinking among teens. Binge drinking is defined as when a guy drinks five or more alcoholic beverages in a row
- Sometimes it's a form of rebellion, the 'I don't care attitude'
- Maybe they just want to associate themselves with a particular group of friends, or start boozing under peer pressure.
- Some teenagers see drinking as part of their identity. They think alcohol makes them more macho, sexy, independent or grown-up.
- Since alcohol blocks emotional pain, it is frequently resorted to as a "cover up" during times of ongoing stress such as that experienced with the loss of a loved one, family conflicts.
- Psychological factors - Low self-esteem and depression make one vulnerable to excessive drinking and alcoholism.
Alcohol and Teens: why should they be kept apart?
Physical effects of alcohol -
Since most teenagers are not fully grown, the effects of alcohol on them happens more quickly and seriously than with full-grown adults.
The expected physical effects of alcohol are:
- Reduced or increased blood flow, dehydration
- Impairment of thoughts
- Extreme emotional reactions and hyper-excitement
- Inadequate muscle coordination; and
- Slowed or altered speech.
When consumed over long periods of time or in extreme doses, alcohol can severely affect an individual, causing brain and/or liver damage, coma or even death.
Other effects:
- Non-consequential thinking and related activities
- Drunk driving - Teens may be more prone to drive while intoxicated due to a lack of understanding of the consequences This can result in bodily harm through accidents.
- Physical or emotional abuse of others
- Unplanned sexual relations or sexual assault in many cases
What parents must do to help their child:
Family factors, such as parent-child relationships, discipline methods, communication, monitoring and supervision, and parental involvement exert a significant influence on teen alcohol use/abuse.
- Talk to your child: Talk with your teenager child about the dangers of drinking. Discuss the side effects of even one drink
- Strike a deal, drinking should not be discrete - There is a chance your child will drink at some point before he or she is 21 years old. Reassure your child that if he does drink, you will not be angry, but he must reveal it.
- Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving - Tell your child to never drink and drive. In fact, if found drinking and driving, take away his license.
- Be a role model - quit drinking if you yourself are addicted to it.