Teens and Alcohol Use Teens use alcohol for many reasons.

They may do it because they want to fit in socially, they like the way alcohol makes them feel, or they want to feel more grown up. Teens tend to be risk-takers, and they may drink because it seems exciting. Teens who are at the biggest risk for developing serious alcohol problems include those with family members who have problems with alcohol or other drugs. Also, teens who feel that they are not connected to or valued by their parents or who have poor self-esteem or emotional or mental health problems (such as depression) are at increased risk. 1

Risk Factors for Teen Alcoholism 2

• Low parent supervision or communication
• Family conflicts
• Inconsistent or severe parental discipline
• Family history of alcohol or drug abuse
• Teens with problems managing their impulses
• Emotional instability
• Thrill-seeking behaviors
• Perceiving the risk of using alcohol to be low
• Girls who drink, as well as teens that begin drinking prior to the age of 14 years and those whose mothers have drinking problems, are more likely to develop alcoholism.

Note: Teen risk factors for alcoholism differ a bit between the 14- to 16-year-old and 16- to 18-year-old age groups, in that 16- to 18-year-olds tend to be less likely to drink in excess when they have a close relationship with their mothers.

See Symptons of Teen Alcohol Abuse Below 

Symptoms of Teen Alcohol Abuse 2,3

• Lying
• Making excuses
• Breaking curfew
• Staying in their room
• Becoming verbally or physically abusive toward others
• The smell of alcohol on their breath or body
• New use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover up the smell of alcohol
• Mood Swings
• Stealing
• Changes in friends
• Negative changes in schoolwork, missing school, or declining grades Increased secrecy about activities
• Subtle changes in conversations with friends, e.g. more secretive, using “coded” language

If you feel your teen is at risk or may already have a alcohol problem, get them help and be supportive. Teens seek their parents approval, don’t let them down.

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Footnotes:
1 http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/Alcohol-Abuse/Teen-Alcohol-and-Drug-Abuse-Topic-Overview 2 WebMD http://www.medicinenet.com/alcohol_and_teens/page3.htm 3 Parents, the anti-drug http://www.theantidrug.com/ei/signs_symptoms.asp ------------------
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