The teenage years are a high-risk time period for alcohol addiction. Further, the effects of alcohol addiction can interrupt the development of skills required for healthy, productive living. Worse, teenagers addicted to alcohol are more likely to cause harm to themselves and others.
Outcomes
Teenagers who are addicted to alcohol are more likely to engage in unsafe sex, as mentioned by Jennifer Brown and Peter Vanable, Ph.D. in April 2007 in "Addictive Behaviors." Alcohol addiction is also linked to violent behavior, such as suicide attempts, and more violent accidents with teens, as cited by Monica H. Swahn, Ph.D. and colleagues in February 2008 in "Pediatrics."
In addition to violence and risky behavior, alcohol addiction can affect the healthy mental development of teenagers, according to John Santrock in his book, "A Topical Approach to Life-span Development." Specifically, the authors note that decision-making skills are altered and necessary coping skills are not developed. Consequently, adolescents who use alcohol have a harder time developing into competent, responsible adults.
Onset
Addiction to alcohol typically starts between adolescence through young adulthood, as Santrock notes. During this time, drinking habits are established that carry over into later life, as the author explains. Unfortunately, about one-half of college students have reported heavy drinking. Yet, college students have been found to drink more than youths who finish their educations at high school, as Santrock cites.
Theory
The disease model views alcohol addiction as a biologically-based problem that must be managed medically or spiritually throughout the course of a person's life as Santrock explains. The life-process model of addiction explains alcoholic behavior as a result of inappropriate behaviors learned through social relationships and life experiences, the author notes.
Mechanism
According to alcohol myopia theory, consequences of behavior that are distal are more likely to be ignored when a person faces desires, according to Brown and Vanable. For example, the consequence of unintended pregnancy is less likely to be relevant when one is intoxicated. When under the influence of alcohol, people have a harder time paying attention to consequences for behaviors, as the researchers explain.
Prevention
Both parents and peers play an influential role in the prevention of adolescent alcohol abuse. Parents who are actively involved in setting limits for children tend to raise children who do not use drugs and alcohol, as Santrock cites. Parents who are good at verbal reasoning also have a better chance of raising alcohol-free children, the author mentions. Therefore, educating parents with regards to drug and alcohol communication skills is of considerable importance.
References
- "Addictive Behaviors"; Alcohol Use, Partner Type, and Risky Sexual Behavior Among College Students: Findings from an Event-Level Study; Jennifer L. Brown, M.S. and Peter A. Vanable, Ph.D.; April 2007
- "Pediatrics"; Age of Alcohol Use Initiation, Suicidal Behavior, and Peer and Dating Violence Victimization and Perpetration Among High-Risk, Seventh-Grade Adolescents;Monica H. Swahn, Ph.D.; Feb. 1, 2008
- "A Topical Approach to Life-span Development"; John W. Santrock (3rd ed.); 2007
