Effects Of Teenage Alcohol Abuse
|
Being aware of the consequences of teen alcohol abuse can motivate us, and our children, to do something about it.
How Prevalent Is Teenage Alcohol Abuse?
Teenage alcohol abuse has reached epidemic proportions in the country as it continues to be a burgeoning problem among adolescents. According to a national survey, an astounding 72% of teenagers in the 8th to 12th grades have already experimented with alcohol while 11.4% of the alcoholic drinks sold in the country are consumed by teens.
Alcohol is the most used and abused drug by American teenagers. Although these figures are truly alarming what makes the statistics grimmer is the fact that people who start consuming alcohol before the age of 15 are four times more likely to have alcohol addiction related issues in the future.
Teens who abuse alcohol are highly susceptible to other forms of substance abuse including the use illicit drugs such as cocaine.
Teenagers who are prone to binge drinking are also known to have academic problems, delinquent behavior, suicidal and/or criminal tendencies.
Are you a teenager worried about your drinking? Take our adolescent alcoholism test to discover if you need help. Are you a parent who wants to know if their child is abusing alcohol? Read signs of adolescent alcoholism |
Alcohol Abuse And Its Effects On Teenagers
The statistics on teenagers and alcohol abuse do not make for pretty reading. Each year almost 1500 people die in motor vehicle accidents involving teenage drunk drivers On top of this, 5000 deaths are reported in people below the age of 21 that are attributed to the health ramifications of binge drinking.
The consequences of teen alcohol abuse stretch far below the social fabric as youngsters who develop a taste for alcohol early on in life face problems such as:
- Poor or failing grades along with other scholastic problems like higher absenteeism
- Social issues such as lack of participation and a tendency to get into fights
- Legal concerns such as DUIs and causing physical hurt to someone while under the influence of alcohol
- Health concerns such as hangovers, ulcers etc
- Propensity to indulge in unprotected and unplanned sexual activity
- Experience disruption in normal sexual development and physical growth
- Tendency for physical and sexual assault
- Higher risk for committing homicide and suicide
- Susceptibility to unintentional injuries such as burns, drowning and injuries
- Changes in brain development that may have long standing psychological and neurological impact
- Risk of death from alcohol poisoning
- Memory issues
- Psychological problems such as depression and mood disorders
- Four times more likely to commit theft outside their homes
- Three times more likely to inflict grievous harm on themselves or others
- Three times more likely to get into fights and destroy property
- Five times more likely to run away from home
In general, youngsters who binge drink are at a higher risk of experiencing the problems mentioned above than those who drink occasionally and consume alcohol in moderate amounts.
To analyze the impact of alcohol abuse on teenagers, it is imperative to understand the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
The Difference Between Teenage Alcohol Abuse and Teenage Alcoholism
Alcohol abuse is the overuse or the misuse of alcohol that can have a negative bearing on the drinker's personal and professional life including his/her relationships and finances.
Alcoholism is taking substance abuse one step further. It is an addiction that is marked by a persistent craving for alcohol, loss of control after drinking, high tolerance to alcohol, physical dependence on alcohol and the exhibition of withdrawal symptoms upon the cessation of alcohol use. While alcoholism is categorized as a treatable disease, alcohol abuse is the precursor to the condition.
 Our FREE E-book The Parents Guide to Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Prevention is aimed at those parents who wish to stay abreast of their children's alcohol and drug use. The guide shows you how to spot the signs of substance abuse and what to do if you suspect your child is abusing alcohol and/or drugs. Catching teen drug and alcohol abuse early, can save a lot of heartache later. Your teenager may not thank you now, but a few years down the road they'll be truly grateful you intervened and saved them from a young life of addiction. |
If you found this page helpful, then the following may be of interest to you:
|
Return From Teenage Alcohol Abuse To Teen Alcohol Abuse Return From Teenage Alcohol Abuse To Alcoholism Help Homepage
Alcoholism Help Homepage | What is Alcoholism | Signs of Alcoholism | Alcoholism Tests | Alcohol Abuse Effects | Living with an Addict | Alcoholism Recovery | The AA Way| Alcoholism Cure| Holistic Alcohol Treatment | Alcoholism Medication | My Story | Alcoholism Guide Blog | Contact Us | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
 Deborah Morrow, M.S. Addiction Psychology, is the director of treatment programs for The Alcoholism Guide website. In her practice Deborah provides on-line coaching and support for those dependent on alcohol or who require other services such as relapse prevention or court mandated services. (Read More)
|
 |
Download our FREE E-report: "AA CRACKED: Why You Might Want To Look For Another Way" |
Assess your drinking now!
Click on the above Image to Contact Us
