“Limiting access to substances such as alcohol can be an essential measure to mitigating risk and a first-line barrier to access,” she says. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of alcohol due to ongoing brain development, which can be hindered by alcohol exposure. Teen alcoholism can lead to academic problems, impaired judgment, risky behaviors, and increased susceptibility to addiction later in life.
Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression
Whether you’re seeking answers, exploring treatment options or simply trying to understand what your teen is going through, we’re here to help. If your teen seems withdrawn, secretive or is suddenly struggling in school, those changes could point to substance use. Recognizing the signs early gives you a better chance of getting them connected with the right help and support. According to the National Institute of Health, around one-third of individuals struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder are also diagnosed with a mental health disorder 4. As such, it is a good idea to have a conversation with teens about alcohol. For example, in a 2021 study by the CDC, the rates of current alcohol use were higher for students who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual compared with heterosexual students.
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Risk factors are things that increase the likelihood that a teen may drink alcohol underage. Some of these are specific to individual families, while others affect whole social groups. As a result, teen drinking can potentially lead to other risk-taking behaviors, such as drinking and driving, injury, or unsafe sex. Acknowledging you have a problem with alcohol is not a sign of weakness or some kind of character defect. In fact, it takes tremendous strength and courage to admit your problem and decide to face up to it. The teenage years can often be challenging and stressful, and it’s not unusual for people to turn to alcohol as a way of coping with their issues.
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Attempting to dive straight in to a discussion about drinking may be a quick way to trigger an unpleasant fight. A better tactic is to find an area of common ground, such as sports or movies. Once you’re able to peacefully discuss a common interest, it may be easier to get your teen talking about the more sensitive issue of alcohol use. Trying to talk to a teen about drinking when they’re watching their favorite show, texting with their friends, or in the midst of a heated argument with you about something else isn’t going to be productive.
The 6 Stages of Mental Health Recovery
Family dynamics and culture can also play a role, such as exposure to heavy alcohol use from a young age. If you start feeling like you have to use substances to feel good, you make risky and unsafe choices because of substance use, or drugs and alcohol start negatively impacting your life in other ways, ask for help right away. Talk to your parent or guardian, schedule https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a session with your school counselor, talk to your primary care doctor, or confide in a trusted adult.
- She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.
- It’s helpful for parents to understand common reasons why teens drink alcohol and strategies to prevent underage drinking.
- Risk factors are things that increase the likelihood that a teen may drink alcohol underage.
When pregnant women drink alcohol, alcohol rehab it can damage the developing brain of the fetus, leading to physical problems, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. When people over the age of 65 drink alcohol, it can worsen declines in brain function that happen during aging. There are several strategies that parents can take to educate their teens on the risks of underage drinking and prevent it.
- Only a licensed mental health professional can diagnose a teen with alcohol use disorder (AUD), the clinical term for alcohol addiction.
- For kids and teens, that usually means having three or more drinks at one sitting.
- In most cases, AUD begins developing in the teen years and becomes common for people ages 20 to 30 (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2022).
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In most cases, AUD begins developing in the teen years and becomes common for people ages 20 to 30 (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2022). Key risk factors include prolonged drinking, binge drinking, and starting at a young age (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2025). Family history, especially if a parent or close relative has alcohol problems, can increase susceptibility (Reed, 2025).
Due to incomplete development of a child/adolescent’s brain, and the level of experience in individuals under the age of 21, they are different from adults across numerous factors. Colleges also have a role to prevent alcohol abuse in teens’ lives by incorporating educational programs such as AlcoholEdu (Vector Solutions, 2025). AlcoholEdu aims to teach incoming college students about the dangers of alcohol misuse, supporting non-drinking options, and how to help as a bystander (Vector Solutions, 2025). The personalized content helps students recognize their drinking habits based on whether or how much they drink (Vector Solutions, 2025).
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AA meetings offer accessible resources to support individuals who are seeking help for their alcohol dependence (Kelly et al., 2020). These programs help to increase an individual’s mental well-being, strengthen interpersonal skills, improve stress management, and support the transition to a sober and alcohol-free lifestyle (Kelly et al., 2009). Depending on the signs a person shows, AUD can range from mild to severe. Common signs include difficulty controlling alcohol consumption, problems cutting back, and spending excessive time drinking or recovering (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). AUD can disrupt daily activities, leading to forgotten responsibilities, poor relationships, and withdrawal from social or work activities (Koob et al., 2025).
However, research has shown that underage drinking is a significant public health concern in many countries around the world and that many teens report drinking alcohol at least occasionally. Young people who drink alcohol are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that can lead to injuries and other health conditions. They’re also more likely to experience social, academic, and legal issues. In order to prevent teenagers from purchasing alcohol, society must take the initiative to make alcohol less available.
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This may be due to discrimination, which causes stress and harms mental health. To an extent, this is typical for this life stage, as teens begin to enter the world of adulthood and try new things. But in combination with alcohol, which also lowers inhibitions, it can result in impaired judgment. During adolescence, the parts of the brain that relate to stress and reward are very active.
Take the assessment and get matched with a professional, licensed therapist. Verify your insurance today – treatment could be more affordable than you think. While experimentation is common, excessive alcohol use can lead to serious problems. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a teen alcohol abuse caller chooses.