Tragically, it is easy to see the effects of teenage drinking. From poor grades to suicide attempts, drinking can cause teens to ruin their lives. Parents should always be aware of the dramatic calamities that can befall a teenager on the bottle.
Schoolwork suffers as the teen drunk loses the ability to pay attention. Attention span is very important in the teenage years as teens prepare for college, and without it, grades and the likelihood of college admissions get a whole lot lower.
Behind the wheel, the teen drunk can kill. Teenage drinking causes a large increase in car accidents, which can lead to death or serious injury. Alcohol reduces self control and increases impulsive behavior while reducing the reactive time, coordination and observance required for safe driving. Even if a teen survives a drunk driving accident, he might pay for his mistake for the rest of his life-behind bars.
Teenage drinking problems come with and increased probability of future drug use and reduce the defenses that would otherwise make a teen more likely to refuse drugs.
Drinking can cause teens to lose jobs and friends and have mood swings and depression. Teens who drink are more likely to have sex-and more likely to have unsafe sex-than their sober counterparts.
Teens who drink have a higher probability of committing crimes and increased likelihood of attempted suicide.
Physical and emotional development in teens with drinking problems is compromised, leaving the teen stuck and having a harder time gaining ground again. Teens can suffer liver damage, which can be permanent and cause life threatening health conditions.
Parents and teachers who suspect teenage drinking problems should not wait to get help for the teen. There are many resources available for help. For the teen's future and the safety of others, intervene immediately. Start by talking to the teen, and get support from organizations such as Al-Anon-Alateen at 1(888) 4AL-ANON, which is for supporting teens and the whole family dealing with drinking problems.
 | Teen drinking doesn't have to be a fact of life. Involved, trusted parents can help teens make responsible decisions, but only if their actions and their words are consistent. |
 | Being a parent means standing strong when setting limitations for your child. Those limitations can be tested when your child experiences dealing with peer pressure and alcohol. |
Here are six ideas for themes for alcohol-free teen party ideas that are sure to be a blast. |
Teenage drinking problems must be treated. The dangers of teen alcoholism include: increase in car accidents, increased probability of drug use, losing jobs and friends, increased probability of sexual behavior, increased probability of committing crime and increased likelihood of attempted suicide. |
How do parents know if their teen is suffering from teen alcoholism? |
