Teen Drinking

Teens begin to drink or take drugs for a variety of reasons, including peer pressure, low self-esteem or because they have access to it. Getting an addicted teen the help they need to stop destructive behaviors is the only way to prevent either immediate or lifelong negative consequences. Teens that live in high-risk homes are more likely to become addicted to drinking or drugs.

Causes and Prevention

Teens are as susceptible for addictions, just as adults are. Those who are at risk for becoming addicted to alcohol include teens living in a home where an adult is aggressive or alcoholic themselves, a history of alcoholism in the family, friends that drink, or unstable emotional or mental health levels.

Not all parents are able to prevent their teens from becoming addicted to alcohol, especially if the teen has friends that supply drinks or drugs.

Staying aware of your teen is one of the best ways to prevent them from becoming addicted to alcohol. Know where they are at all times, as well as whom they are with. Keep an open dialogue between you and your teen about the risks of drinking, and set boundaries with them to prevent underage drinking.

Do not drink around your teens in order to set a good example. Recognize signs of possible alcohol addiction by seeing how your teen interacts with the rest of the family, school grades and their relationships with friends.

Treatment

If you find that your teen needs professional help to get over an alcohol addiction, seek professional treatment for them. Substance abuse programs are now designed specifically for teens, dealing with emotional and psychological reasons for why they may have turned to drinking. Look for treatment centers that offer group therapy, where teens can identify with others who feel the way they do. Some treatment centers also involve families during therapy and treatment, which can help everyone understand why the teen began to drink and how to overcome it. Teens who need long-term treatment should seek out facilities that offer tutoring or school sessions while in residence to keep up with studies.

Once a teen is out of treatment, it is harder for them to stay in recovery if they must go back to a high risk home. Parents should set a good example and be supportive of their teen's recovery process.