According to TeenHelp.com, alcohol is the most abused substance by teens in the U.S. Teenagers who abuse alcohol on a regular basis can become addicted and turn into alcoholics. Having a dependence on alcohol can affect a teen's health and his ability to function normally and make sound decisions. Learning about some of the signs and changes that can occur with alcohol dependence will help parents and caregivers identify a teenager who may have a problem.
Isolation
Helpguide.org explains that most alcohol dependence evolves during and after a teen has faced a major life change or crisis. It can also result because of peer pressure and friends who introduced him to alcohol as a way to dull pain. Teens who become dependent on alcohol will start to cover up their problem to prevent others from finding out. This can start by isolation. How a teen interacts with his siblings and parents can indicate that there is a problem. If he normally is very social with the family and regularly participates in family events and activities but suddenly isolates himself, he may be abusing alcohol. Isolation can indicate alcoholism and proves especially common when the teenager is binge drinking. If he has developed a high tolerance for alcohol, he may be embarrassed to drink in front of friends. Drinking alone allows him to feed his habit and keep his problem with alcohol a secret. Being in isolation also allows a teen dependent on alcohol to mask his appearance such as bloodshot eyes, weight loss and poor hygiene. He may also think isolating himself will prevent his parents from smelling alcohol on his breath or clothing.
Withdrawal
Most teenagers do not have steady access to alcohol because they are minors. The time between drinks can cause symptoms of withdrawal. MayoClinic.com explains what a teenager may experience going through withdrawal such as anxiety attacks, vomiting, shaking, sweating and irritability. The most severe symptom of withdrawal is the craving to have more alcohol. After the teenager takes another drink, all other symptoms subside and the body becomes numb to pain and the surrounding environment. Withdrawal can be deadly because many teenagers do not tell their parents and they often do not get the help and treatment they need in a safe and controlled medical environment.
Behavioral Problems
Visible symptoms of a teenager dependent on alcohol can include combative behavior that changes over the course of her disease. When confronted, some teenagers will deny that they have a problem. They may also turn to aggression when parents try to take away alcohol, take away their privileges or send them to treatment for help. The Students Against Drunk Driving Website explains that in 2005, over 28% of teen drivers killed in auto accidents had been drinking. Drinking can cause a lapse in judgment, especially with teenagers. Some teens may not understand all of the risks of driving their cars while impaired, this can lead to deadly behavior behind the wheel causing harm upon themselves and other people.
