Alcohol is the most commonly used drug among teenagers. Teens are reported to use alcohol more than marijuana or nicotine, and 80 percent of high school seniors admit to having used alcohol at some point. Because alcohol is so commonly experimented with, some parents underestimate the severity of their teen's drinking. But teenage drinking is not only illegal, it can lead to lowered inhibitions, drunk driving, reckless behavior and violence. By closely considering your teen's mood, behaviors and social circumstances, you can judge whether your teen is at risk for alcohol addiction.
Physical Evidence
The most obvious sign your teenager is drinking is the presence of alcohol. Finding alcohol bottles hidden in the trash or in your teen's room or car suggests that he has been storing alcohol to use on a regular basis. Signs of drinking such as clothing that smell of alcohol or bloodshot eyes indicate heavy use. Abrupt changes in hygiene or a loss of interest in appearance may also be signs of addictive behavior.
Body Complaints
Alcohol is a drug that can be physically addictive. A teen drinking to excess will most likely show physical symptoms. Your teenager might complain of headaches in the morning or have difficulty sleeping, according to the Teen Drug Addiction website. For a serious addiction, your teenager might begin to exhibit withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms may include a racing heartbeat, anxiety, shaky or sweaty palms, hallucinations or seizures. Using alcohol to relieve physical complaints indicates alcohol withdrawal. Physical addiction to alcohol is a serious medical condition and should be treated by a physician.
Changes in Behavior
When teens are abusing alcohol, generally they engage in behaviors that are sneaky in an attempt to hide their drinking. A teen who begins lying, breaking curfew or stealing may be drinking heavily. A person dependent on alcohol will spend large amounts of time attempting to obtain alcohol if it is not readily available to them. Addicts will also give up other activities in order to spend more time drinking. A loss of interest in previously enjoyed social activities or a sudden change in friends can indicate your teenager is engaging in addictive behavior.
Emotional Problems
Alcohol and emotional difficulties often coexist. Teenagers frequently use alcohol to mask feelings of depression or anxiety. Teenage depression can sometimes look different from depression in adults. If your teenager becomes physically or verbally aggressive, has uncontrollable mood swings or becomes unusually lethargic, it could indicate a deeper psychological problem, making your teen more vulnerable to alcohol abuse, says MedicineNet.com. Likewise, teenagers who have been a victim or witness to physical, emotional of sexual abuse are at a higher risk of alcohol addiction. Heavy alcohol use is also a high risk factor in teenage suicide. Teenagers with suspected psychological problems should receive immediate mental health treatment, says the Teen Suicide website.
Family Influences
Vulnerability to alcohol addiction is partially influenced by genetics. If a member of your family has an alcohol addiction, your teen might also be vulnerable. Teens who are raised in a house where alcohol is easily accessible or who see adults frequently drinking are also more likely to drink excessively. Finally, problems in the family such as financial stress, divorce or illness can be a catalyst for teenage alcohol abuse.
References
- MedicineNet.com: Alcohol and Teens
- Teen Drug Addiction: Teen Alcohol Abuse
- Teen Suicide: Teen Alcohol Use
- Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-IV-TR: The American Psychiatric Association
