Don’t be afraid to set firm, age-appropriate rules and limits to protect them. Though more research is needed in this area, we also know that race and ethnicity have an impact on underage drinking. For example, 14-year-olds who identify as White, Black or Latinx are equally likely to consume alcohol. By age 18, White and Latinx youth are twice as likely to drink than Black youth. Between 11 and 18 years of age, young people are especially open to the influence of people around them.
- Fortunately, there are various ways to help your son and yourself through this difficult time.
- Isabella keeps quiet, fearing she will cause trouble for her dad if she says anything.
- Having an alcoholic parent can be an overwhelming and emotionally complex experience.
- Thousands of parents across the country face similar challenges, and with the right approach, professional support, and treatment resources, recovery is possible.
- While men still consume more alcohol than women, the increases in alcohol use have been substantially higher for women than men during the same period.
Be Aware of the Warning Signs
With the resources and guidance at Talk it Out NC, conversations about alcohol can become second nature. Remember, open and honest conversations are among the best ways to prevent underage drinking. SMART Recovery is not a 12-Step program, and it is not spiritual in nature. Instead, SMART Recovery focuses on the individual taking charge of their own life and recovery, and teaches tools and techniques to https://ecosoberhouse.com/ do so.
How to Talk to Your Teen About Drinking
This treatment finder can help concerned parents find nearby treatment options specific to their teenager’s needs. Changes to brain structures are the most difficult to treat; however, among adolescents who drink too much, damage to the endocrine system and the liver can lead to long-term, chronic health issues. I hope my story can help you and your teen to overcome their addiction. Help is available for you, no matter how difficult it might seem.
Contact a Professional
Teens need guidance, and parents cannot offer it if they are not aware of their issues. The following five warning signs for alcoholism can help parents save their children’s future.1) Their social circle changes. The pressures of the adolescent years are well-known, and they stem from both social factors and actual hormonal changes. A number of health conditions teen drinking can often go hand in hand with AUD. Common mental health conditions that co-occur with AUD are depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stress-related disorders, other substance use disorders, and sleep disorders.
Approach your parent empathetically and encourage open, non-judgmental communication. Expressing your concerns with care rather than criticism can help both parties feel safe communicating and pursuing recovery. Always choose a calm and sober moment to express your concerns. A recovery support group is anonymous, free to join, and open to anyone who wishes to remain abstinent from alcohol. There are thousands of these types of support groups all over the country, and local chapters meet in a variety of locations at different times to be accessible to as many people as possible. Establishing clear boundaries is essential for both your son’s recovery and your own well-being.
Too much focus on one type of treatment.
Worried about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking? There are ways to help your teen cope with the pressures to drink alcohol and make better choices. At NACoA, we want every kid and marijuana addiction teen growing up in the shadow of parental addiction to know they deserve safety, support, and joy in life.
- The newer types of these medications work by offsetting changes in the brain caused by AUD.
- Every parent should understand how to prevent underage drinking.
- Often, it will tell you when something is going on with your child.
The child you want to protect will experience real pain, fear, and struggle, and you won’t be able to do anything about it. So, believe me when I say that I was overwhelmed when I found out that my child was dealing with alcoholism.Alcohol is the most widely used substance by teenagers around the world. It is hard to distinguish when your child is “just experimenting” or if they’re struggling to stop drinking to the point that they have a disorder. If you suspect that your child has a drinking problem, it’s always best to get an assessment from a professional.
Remove temptations from your household by eliminating liquor (or locking it up) and setting a good example. It’s certainly okay to have a glass or two of wine with dinner, but if your teen sees you polishing off a bottle of hard alcohol on a regular basis, you aren’t being a good role model. If your children are going to drink when they are of legal age, they should do so moderately and responsibly. A zero tolerance policy won’t insure your teens won’t drink now or in college.