Every year, alcohol addiction increases, which is alarming because it’s also a leading cause of death. Despite this, many people are still fond of social drinking.
While many beverages you consume have a relatively high alcohol content, some still enjoy drinking them despite their low alcohol tolerance.
Among all age groups, young people are the most affected by drinking. Most young people between the ages of 12 and 20 have tried alcohol. In many countries, underage drinking is a serious problem, often with grave consequences.
Teens are more likely to get addicted to alcohol than adults because of how the human brain develops. At this stage of development, teenagers are more vulnerable to addiction because the part of the brain that manages pleasure matures earlier than the part responsible for control and sound decision-making.
Since the brain’s mental capacity hasn’t fully developed yet, teens don’t thoroughly understand the consequences of overdrinking. Alcohol addiction often risks your safety and health or causes other alcohol-related problems. Moreover, such addiction can cause dysfunction and interruption of your daily activities.
Also, this can affect personal matters, goals in life, and relationships. Over time, if left untreated, its effects can worsen and produce damaging and detrimental complications.
As a parent, relative, teacher, or friend, you have a significant impact on the choices that teenagers in your life make. Moreover, talking to and helping teens understand openly and honestly the consequences and possible results of underage drinking are also important.
Facing the problems of addiction and doing something about it are the best ways to counter them and regain your healthy lifestyle and sober life.
The start of alcohol intake
Usually, drinking among young people begins around age 13. However, there may be different reasons why young people use it. These reasons are factors that push or encourage teenagers to drink.
Nevertheless, the choice is still with the person as to whether they decide to use alcohol. Alcoholism is not a moral issue, nor a lack of willpower. The body of each teenager responds differently to the effects of alcohol. A family history of alcoholism can also trigger or worsen the problem of becoming addicted.
The danger it imposes
Teenagers who are intoxicated make impulsive decisions regarding things. Therefore, most teens face immediate negative consequences because of alcoholism. Moreover, addiction among teenagers doesn’t affect only them, but also the people around them and society in general.
Alcohol is a significant factor in car crashes, affecting drivers and passengers. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers. Drinking increases the risk of getting into an accident.
During puberty, there are many hormonal changes in a teenager’s body. These hormones encourage growth factors and increase the production of other hormones vital for normal organ development. Excessive intake of alcohol during puberty may hinder the critical hormonal balance necessary for the normal development of organs, bones, and muscles.
Just as hormonal changes occur during puberty, the brain also develops. As a result, the effects of alcohol on the brain become complicated. Its consumption significantly impacts memory skills, long-term thinking, and coordination skills.
Lastly, teenagers who suffer from alcohol addiction are more likely to be involved in physical fights and sexual assaults. Moreover, teens who drink are less likely to use protection during sexual activity and may have a higher risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies.
Talk to them: Prevention is better than cure
Parents, relatives, teachers, and friends can have an impact on the alcohol intake of teenagers.
Even at a young age, parents must teach and help develop the mental capacity of their children. For example, suppose you can create an atmosphere at home that shapes and values the importance of mental health and preventing underage drinking. In that case, you can help decrease the chances of your kids taking alcohol and engaging in risky behaviors.
Be a positive role model to your children. In short, practice what you preach. Don’t expect your kids to stop drinking if they can see you doing excessive drinking also. Moreover, involving yourself in your teenager’s life would be best. Make your child feel that you care. Know who their friends are, where and what they are doing. Encourage decision-making and independence, but set limits also.
Help your teenager find alternative activity options. Learn about school activities that may interest and inspire your child to join and participate in them. For example, teenagers active in sports or social groups are less likely to participate in drinking sessions.
How to stop this addiction
If you sense that your teenager is experimenting and taking too much alcohol already, you should seek assistance quickly. It is better to ask for health assistance if you cannot resolve the problem within your family. Then, you can talk to a substance abuse counselor or, in the worst cases, a rehab center that can provide immediate help.
Takeaway
Alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug among teenagers. It causes grave and life-threatening problems for all of us. Most teens use it to escape from problems or situations at hand.
Teens require attention and supervision to prevent or lessen the possible extensive health and economic impact of alcohol use on adolescents. In addition, the intervention of parents, relatives, teachers, friends, and other people around teens can help significantly to hinder the initiation of drinking alcohol.
Again, you can ask for help for your teenager by contacting rehab centers nearby. Rehab centers are the best way to provide your teen with medical attention and supervision to regain their sober and healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Vikram Taguru is a passionate leader, CEO, and founder of Detox of South Florida. He is also a proud advocate of drug-free living. In his spare time, he loves writing tips on managing day-to-day tasks without depending on different addictive drugs.
