As a parent, it can be hard to gauge when your teenagers drinking has become a serious problem, and when you should intervene. If you want your teen to get the best from their adolescence, without developing destructive habits that lead to poor life choices, then you need to confront them on these issues now.
Teenage Drinking – What are the Risks?
A study by the CDC in 2011 showed that at least 39% of teens had drank alcohol within the 30 day period surveyed. In itself, safe consumption of alcohol is not the problem (when it is supervised and controlled in certain circumstances). It’s the statistic of abuse that is most concerning. Up to 22% of teens were found to have binge drank at least once within the same survey period. Because we are talking about youths here under the age of 21, this is a very alarming figure.
Binge consumption and abuse of alcohol can lead to serious issues for a teenager.
- Development of depression, and other mental conditions.
- A withdrawal from interpersonal relationships as teens develop a regular habit.
- Decline in academic performance.
- A lack of motivation.
- Poor decision making skills while under the influence leading to crime, risky activities like driving under the influence, or being a passenger with those under the influence.
- Problems with memory, intellectual function, and brain development.
- Higher risk of suicide.
- Higher chance of experimenting with illegal drugs.
Confronting your teen is the hardest thing to do, but it’s also the best thing that you could do. Left unchecked your teenager could spiral out of control. We all want to give our teens freedoms, but sometimes too much is not the best method.
Never confront your teen while you suspect they are intoxicated. No matter how upset you are, don’t be tempted to intervene during this time. Allow some time for you to clear your head and for your teenager to become sober. This will allow for a more balanced conversation from your side, and a more receptive teen.
Explain why their behavior is unacceptable and dangerous. Teens are going through an important stage of brain development and alcohol abuse could lead to serious mental conditions. Their health is important to you, and it should be to them too. So stress this part.
Teens should also be aware of the legal consequences of alcohol. Without creating an excessive element of fear, make your teen aware of the legal issues from illegally obtaining alcohol, to possible DUI’s and arrests related to alcohol consumption.
Above all, let them know how their behavior is making you feel. If it’s affecting the rest of the family, they need to know this. Teenagers don’t have the life experience to make the best choices yet. Knowing the consequences and effects on others resulting from drinking might be enough to make them reconsider their behavior.
When things become too much, parents often need the help of an external counsellor or behavioral modification program. Don’t be afraid to make use of external sources. You could even enroll your teenager in to a troubled youth program.
Choices teens make now can affect the rest of their lives. Because they’re not always able to make the best decisions, it’s your responsibility as a parent to provide all of the necessary guidance and support that you can.
