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What do you do when your teenager is drinking?
By
CompleteCounseling
November 15, 2008 - 8:10am
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Let’s be honest, the problem of teenage drinking doesn’t enter the mind of most parents, especially when looking into those innocent eyes of a baby. How can they possibly grow into a teenager with an alcohol problem? It may not seem possible that it could happen to your child, but the reality is that it can and for many it will. Turning a blind eye to the possible problem and not taking any preventive measures will only make it more likely to happen. It will also most likely mean that getting the teenager to accept they have a drinking problem and deal with it will be more difficult to do.
Raising children in a healthy family relationship is the first step in helping to prevent that situation. Next is being open with your child and reassuring them that you are there to support them and help them through whatever difficulties they may go through in life. Lastly, it is to discourage the act of allowing underage children the odd drink with special meals and/or special occasions. It is not uncommon for many parents to allow their children a small glass of wine during a toast at a special dinner or occasion; unfortunately, they are introducing their children to alcohol before they understand the responsibilities that come with drinking. Besides that, alcohol is, basically, a poison to the body and can cause harm to those who drink too much at one time. Being the responsible parent who realizes that teen drinking is a very real problem in today’s world will not only seek to educate their children early on about the problems associated with drinking, they will also develop an open relationship with their children so that they feel they have support from family instead of turning to substance abuse for the answer. This effort, of course, does not entirely guarantee that your teenager will not develop a drinking problem. Keeping an eye open for signs of trouble, such as a change of personality or attitude, is a good way to be aware of whether the teenager may be developing such a problem.
If your teenager were to develop a drinking problem, catching it as soon as possible and dealing with it immediately will ensure a better chance that the teenager can deal with it; however, many parents are at a loss of what to do. Fortunately, the internet is a resource that can be crucial to helping a parent to pull their teenager away from their problem. Online counseling is a great idea for anyone who doesn’t know what to do. Online counselors offer their services online so that they are accessible to anyone who needs some help. Speaking with an online therapist may also be more comfortable for the teenager because they may not feel that their space or business is being invaded too much. Online therapy could be beneficial to both the parents and their troubled teen because they can get the advice and help they need in the comfort of their home.
If you or anyone that you know would like more information regarding this post, feel free to visit http://www.completecounselingsolutions.com or email [email protected]
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Thanks for bringing up this important topic!
In my view, there is a big disconnect and huge difference when we talk about "underage" drinking between a 13-year-old "underage" drinker and a 19 or 20-year old "underage" drinker.
When discussing the topic of young teens using the "drug of choice" (alcohol is still used more often than tobacco or illicit drugs), my main concern is the consequences that they could face in using the drug. Namely, the almost immediate physical effects that alcohol has on decision-making and judgment skills is astonishing, and once the individual is impaired, it is difficult to CONVINCE them that they are impaired. (it is a vicious cycle: they can not be convinced that they are impaired, because the reasoning-part of their brain is impaired).
Honestly, if teens were having just one drink per month, we probably would not be having this conversation. Yes, alcohol is considered a poison to the body, but the problem is not the alcohol itself. Alcohol can be consumed in a responsible manner by individuals who are not dependent on alcohol. The problem that needs most discussion is in the MANNER in which teens drink alcohol. Teens do not drink as often as adults, but when they do drink, they drink in dangerously large amounts. On average, teens drink 5 drinks in one occasion (what is known as "binge" or "high risk" drinking). Drinking in high risk quantities leads to impairment in reasoning, judgment, decision-making skills, as well as fine and gross motor skills.
I worry about teens being impaired for many reasons, but primarily:
- They are new drivers
- They are new at dating
High risk alcohol use increases the risk of being in a sexual assault situation, both for the perpetrator and the victim/survivor. It is also a factor in poor decision-making, including unsafe sexual activity.
We all know the dangers of using alcohol while driving, or being a passenger in a car with a driver who has been drinking.
Did you know that by age 18, more than 70% of teens have had at least one drink?
If you would like more information, a great, easy-to-read, research-based and non-scare-tactic brochure is available free online:
A Guide to Action for Families (pdf file):
http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/
If you are concerned about your teen, please seek professional help. An online counselor may be a great option for you and your family.
November 16, 2008 - 8:04pmThis Comment