Signs of Teenage Alcohol Abuse

Recognizing the signs of teenage alcohol abuse can be challenging for parents. Some behaviors related to substance abuse can also be normal behaviors in a teen. White Sands Addiction Treatment Center can answer questions and give guidance to parents wondering if their child is abusing alcohol.

Signs of Teenage Alcohol Abuse

If a parent notices one or more of the following signs, it can indicate their teenager activities need to checked out. Keep in mind these are only some of the signs. Any unusual, deceptive, or aggressive behavior can be signs of teenage alcohol abuse.

• Mood Swings – (frequently irritable, defensive when questioned, bursts of temper)
• An “I don’t care” Attitude – (drops out of sports or other school programs, loses interest in their hobbies, avoids family gatherings)
• School Issues – (dropping grades, skipping classes, getting in trouble)
• Relationship Problems – (no interest in old friends, parents don’t get to meet new friends)
• Secrecy – (avoids answering questions, keeps cellphone locked, won’t answer phone calls when a parent is present.
• Lying (about activities, staying out late, friends he or she was with)
• Disrespectful – (argues with parents, ignores teacher’s instructions, loses temper when asked about activities)
• Finding Alcohol – (empty beer or liquor bottles found in room or backpack, glass with alcohol residue)
• Physical Indications – (slurred speech, impaired coordination, inability to concentrate, memory loss)

If you observe these signs of teenage alcohol abuse, talk to your child first and listen to his or her explanation of what is happening. An unsatisfactory result from the talk might indicate you need your teen to be screened for substance use. White Sands has staff that are trained to work with teenage alcohol abuse. If an intervention is necessary professional counselors are available, and they can work with you to establish a strong support network for your teenager.

Effects Of Teenage Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse takes a serious toll on the life and future of a teenager. The effects of teenage alcohol abuse can be long-lasting and affect both physical and mental health. Kids are experimenting with alcohol at younger-and younger ages. According to a national survey, more than fifty-percent of youth between the ages of 12 and 20 have tried alcohol at least once. Medical research indicates the pleasure center of the brain matures before the decision and impulse control section of the brain resulting in a greater vulnerability to addiction in teens experimenting with alcohol. As they mature, many young adults cut back or completely stop drinking, but those teens who started drinking at 14 or younger have a much higher (six times greater) risk of developing an alcohol abuse problem than those who waited until they reached the legal age for alcohol consumption. The effects of teenage alcohol abuse include dropping out of school, running away, illegal activities, broken relationships, and inability to obtain employment.

• Alcohol is the cause of many fatal car crashes, and if the driver survives he or she will face prison.
• There is research suggesting heavy drinking during teen years when the brain is still developing may result in lasting impairments including memory, coordination, and motor skills.
• Startling statistics reveal approximately 97,000 students (ages 18 to 24) are the victims of sexual assault or date rape due to alcohol abuse.

Teenage Alcoholism Treatment

Teenagers who abuse alcohol are at greater risk of continuing the behavior in adulthood. White Sands Addiction Treatment Center has professional counselors that can assist you with evaluating the specific teenage alcoholism treatment options for your child’s alcohol abuse problems. Inpatient, rehab, and ongoing therapy is provided by professionals. Medical doctors and psychologists are on-site and participate in the creation of your child’s treatment plan.

Today is the day to address drinking problems with your teen. Alcoholism is a disease, and helping your child learn to treat it as such will help keep him or her from relapsing. Encourage your teenage son or daughter by explaining the help they are getting is to treat their disease and not because you are angry or ashamed. Call White Sands Addiction Treatment Center to get compassionate and caring professional help for your teenager.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.