Although alcohol abuse can start at an early age, it is not an inevitable occurrence and can be avoided if the problem is dealt with appropriately, reports MayoClinic.com. It is important to remember that not every young person will drink, but it is up to the adults in the young person's life to help him maintain and develop his positive behaviors and lower his risk of abusing alcohol.
Basics
Alcohol abuse among young people is a practice that has been known to end in tragedy. Statistics show that of drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 who died in traffic accidents, 32 percent were found to have measurable levels of alcohol in their blood, reports the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Signs and Symptoms
According to KidsHealth, there are warning signs of alcohol abuse in young people. These signs include smelling of alcohol, sudden changes in mood, lack of school attendance, poor academic performance, loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed, getting in trouble at school and with the law, becoming secretive, pushing away family and friends, associating with new people and displaying depression symptoms.
Risk Factors
There are a number of risk factors that can lead to alcohol abuse in young people. These can include moving to a new city or changing schools, getting a driver's license, increases in stress at home or in school, family conflict, domestic violence, parental alcohol abuse or a history of behavior problems, reports MayoClinic.com.
Consequences
According to MayoClinic.com, there are a number of consequences that can result from alcohol consumption in young people. Young people who drink alcohol are more likely to die in alcohol related traffic accidents, suicides, drowning and murders. Young people who drink alcohol are more likely to engage in risky sexual activity at a younger age. Drinking at a young age can result in academic problems, such as poor grades or even permanent suspension, and can increase the risk of alcohol dependence. In addition, there is research suggesting that because young people are still growing, their brain development can be inhibited by the early consumption of alcohol.
Tips for Prevention
In order to reduce alcohol abuse among young people, it is important that the adults in their lives model positive behaviors. Parents must evaluate their own intake of alcohol and consider how it is influencing their children, warns KidsHealth. Also, young people need to receive education on the potential effects and consequences of alcohol consumption. Parents should provide a safe environment in which their child can ask questions and voice concerns. In addition, young people should be taught positive ways of coping, such as exercise.
