Alcohol and teens facts

Alcoholism, now diagnostically referred to as alcohol use disorder, is a substance-use disorder where the sufferer has problems managing just how much and how frequently they consume alcohol and its unwanted effects on their lives consequently because of this.

The symptoms of alcoholism include tolerance to alcohol, withdrawal episodes, craving alcohol, using more alcohol or for longer periods than intended, and problems managing life issues because of alcohol.

Alcoholism is the consequence of several individuals, family, genetic, and social factors instead of due to any one cause.

Although several genes are likely involved in the development of alcoholism, other factors more strongly influence its occurrence in this disease.

Doctors diagnose alcoholism by evaluating if the individual shows several symptoms of problem drinking frequently.

Alcoholism treatment is determined by the stage of the addiction, which range from management of risk factors and education to intensive residential treatment accompanied by long-term outpatient care and support.

Just how much alcohol do teens use?

Alcohol is the most regularly used drug by teenagers in America. Significant statistics regarding alcohol use in teens include that about 50% of junior high and high school students drink alcohol monthly, and 14% of teens have already been intoxicated at least one time during the past year. Nearly 8% of teens who drink say they drink at least five or even more alcoholic drinks in a row (binge drink).

Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse in Teens

Mood Swings
Mood swings refer to rapid changes in mood. The term may make reference to minor daily mood changes or even to significant mood changes as seen with mood disorders such as for example major depression or bipolar depression.

What exactly are the dangerous ramifications of alcohol use in teens?

Just some of the countless dangers of alcohol use in teens are the following:

Alcohol decreases teens’ capability to pay attention too.

Teens who’ve experienced alcohol withdrawal generally have difficulties with memory.

The teenage brain subjected to alcohol is at threat of being smaller in certain parts.

As opposed to adults, teens have a tendency to abuse alcohol with other substances, usually marijuana.

Male teens who drink heavily have a tendency to complete fewer years of education in comparison to male teens who usually do not.

The younger a person is when they start drinking, the more likely they are to develop a problem with alcohol.

Every year, almost 2,000 people under the age of 21 die in car crashes where underage drinking is involved. Alcohol is involved with nearly half of all violent deaths involving youth.

In 2016, 58% of teen drivers killed in motor-vehicle crashes after drinking and driving weren’t wearing a seat belt.

More than three times the amount of eighth-grade girls who drink heavily said they have attempted suicide in comparison to girls in that grade who usually do not drink.

Intoxication is connected with suicide attempts using more lethal methods, and positive blood alcohol levels tend to be found in persons who complete suicide.

Teens who drink are more likely to engage in sexual activity, have unprotected sex, have sexual intercourse with a stranger, or be the victim or perpetrator of a sexual assault.

Excess alcohol use could cause or mask other emotional problems, like anxiety or depression.

Drinking excessively can lead to the use of other drugs, like marijuana, cocaine, or heroin.

How do parents prevent alcohol use?

Clear communication by parents about the unwanted effects of alcohol, together with about their expectations regarding drug use, has been found to diminish teenage drinking significantly. Adequate parental supervision is a deterrent to alcohol use in youth. Alcohol, and other drug use, occurs most frequently between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., soon after school and just before parents’ arrival at home from work. Teen participation in extracurricular activities is, therefore, a crucial measure in preventing alcohol use in this age group. Parents may also help educate teens about appropriate coping and stress-management strategies. For instance, 15- to 16-year-olds who use religion to handle stress have a tendency to use drugs substantially less often and also have fewer problems as a result of drinking than their peers who usually do not use religion to cope. Since effective treatment of teen depression could be a deterrent to alcohol use, parents who seek help because of their depressed teen in a timely manner can also assist in preventing their adolescent from participating in underage drinking.

What exactly are the symptoms and signs of alcohol intoxication?

Signs that indicate a teen is intoxicated are the smell of alcohol on the breath or skin, glazed or bloodshot eyes, the individual being unusually passive or argumentative, having slurred speech, unsteady walk or poor coordination, and/or deterioration in the individuals appearance or hygiene. Other symptoms of intoxication include flushed skin and memory loss; intoxication can cause a coma in extreme instances.

How can we help?

One of the many ways to combat teen drinking and substance abuse if to talk with them. A lot of times, that clear and open communication between parents and teens can help prevent alcohol use in the first place, and will help offset abuse if your teen is already using. Nimco can help get that conversation started with pamphlets, educational items, and more.