Alcohol for teens in America is quickly becoming an assumed part of social life. It seems to be a belief that alcohol helps you unwind, fit in, or have fun at a party. Yet for both parents and teens, it’s important to understand that there are certain risks that are involved with underage drinking. Going through adolescence means undergoing physical and emotional development, and adding alcohol into that combination may have serious consequences.
How Does Alcohol Impact a Developing Brain?
The human brain grows and matures until around age 25. More specifically, the last part of the brain to mature is the prefrontal cortex. This is the area of the brain that is responsible for decision-making, judgment, and impulse control. Drinking alcohol at a young age, especially in large quantities can affect the developing brain.
Memory and learning: The hippocampus is the part of the brain essential for memory and learning. For people of all ages, drinking can damage the hippocampus, leading to memory issues. This is especially true for teens, where damage to the hippocampus can lead to academic problems, poor grades, and other learning developmental delays.
Risk of addiction: As teens, the brain is more vulnerable to the addictive nature of alcohol. Studies have proven that if you start drinking before the age of 15, you are more likely to develop alcohol use disorder as an adult.
Mental health concerns: Alcohol is a depressant and can spur anxiety and suicidal tendencies amongst teens. Teens often believe that alcohol will help them feel better and reduce emotional distress, yet the opposite is actually true. Not only does underage drinking often lead to cycles of dependence but also to mental health issues both in the current moment and later in life.
Besides impacting the brain, there are other risks involved with teen drinking. As with any age, drinking lowers inhibitions and impaired judgment, which can lead to poor decisions. Specifically, teens tend to be more risk-taking when under the influence of alcohol, making such decisions as unprotected sex, assault, driving under the influence, trying illicit drugs, and other risky behaviors. Alcohol-related car collisions are the leading cause of death for young people. Similarly, other injuries, such as falls, drowning, and other risks are heightened while under the influence of alcohol. Of course such activities always have legal consequences. These legal consequences can have a serious impact on the remainder of a teen’s life, affecting future employment, college admission, and risking other potential opportunities.
The good news is that there are ways to help your teen make wise decisions when it comes to drinking alcohol. Having an open dialogue about alcohol, its risks, and its allure can create a safe space for your child to discuss drinking. It’s always better to be informed and in the loop on their activities rather than finding out the hard way. Setting clear rules and boundaries about your drinking policy and explaining your reasoning can also help guide your teen through these difficult choices. They need to know your home’s rules on drinking, yet they also need to know that they can come to you if they are struggling with alcohol. Acting as a role model and safety net for your child is important. Avoid over drinking yourself and establish home rules that everyone follows – these steps can help your adolescent understand that you are on the same side and that their safety is paramount to you.
Best Treatment for Teen Drinking Near Me
If you suspect that your adolescent may have a problem with alcohol, have them take the free, all online, SBIRT assessment. This assessment can help determine if there is an issue with alcohol use disorder, underage drinking, or if your teen is considering trying alcohol. If it is determined that treatment is beneficial or necessary, SBIRT will let you know about nearby treatment centers for alcohol use disorder. Knowledge is power and SBIRT is a fast, easy, and confidential way to support your teen.