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Developing a problem with alcohol is most risky during the teenage years due to peer pressure, underlying genetics and other heightened risk factors.
About 15% of adolescents 12 to 20 years old meet the criteria for having an alcohol dependence problem. The risks of alcohol abuse are extremely documented and can cause long lasting side effects on the brain and body
Updated and Fact-Checked May 2024 by: Christine Zambos, LMFT
Update list:
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- Updated Resources
- Added Updated Statistics
- Updated Parent’s Approaches Based on New Data
- Updated Effect on Teens Based on New Research.
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Effects of Teenage Drinking on The Body
Adolescence is not only a critical development period for the brain, but numerous biological changes are happening as well influenced by an influx in hormones. Alcohol can mess with this, either increasing the rate or stunting it. This can lead to a number of physical side effects.
Impact on Internal Organs
The documented effects of alcohol on internal organs are lengthy. Frequent and excessive use of alcohol has been correlated to a number of problems, including:
- Oral cancer
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Cardiovascular disease
- Increased blood pressure
- Inflammation
Alcohol and the Liver
The liver is the primary organ affected when drinking alcohol. It is responsible for cleansing the blood and processing chemicals such as alcohol. Long term alcoholics often have inflammation of the liver that destroys tissue and can lead to cirrhosis, a deadly disease.
Risks to the Teenage Brain
Drinking alcohol can greatly stunt a teen’s maturing brain, leading to problems associated with decision-making, impulse control and emotional regulation.
Alcohol can influence a number of cognitive deficits in the brain leading to memory loss, trouble focusing, socializing or problem solving. Teenage alcohol abuse affects executive functioning leading to strained relationships, faulty judgment and poor academic performance.
During puberty thousands of new connections in the brain are formed. When alcohol disrupts these connections it can lead to a great risk of developing anger problems, aggression, depression or anxiety.
As with any drug, increased use of alcohol during teenage years can change the way the reward system processes dopamine. This can make teens in general more prone to developing drug or alcohol addiction later in adulthood.
Memory and motor coordination can be affected as the structure of the brain is changed, particularly in the hippocampus and cerebellum.
Increased Risk of Injury
Alcohol negatively impacts the part of the brain responsible for decision making and impulse control. This can lead teens to make risky decisions and engage in behaviors that could result in injury. The risk of accidental injuries such as car accidents, falls or fights are all increased under the influence of alcohol. This not only puts the teen at risk, but anyone with them as well.
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death in teenagers, which is only heightened when driving under the influence. If your teen does decide to underage drink, it is important to stress to them that getting behind the wheel is never worth it.
By educating teens and acting as safe adults, we can offer support or rides when they do drink, and reduce the risk of underage drinking and driving.
Many teens will experiment with alcohol, educating them about the risks is the number one way to decrease these potential injuries.
Mental Effects of Alcohol Abuse on Teens
Not only does alcohol pose significant risks to the body and internal organs, but the threats it poses on the brain can deeply impact their mental health as well. Research has shown alcohol abuse can increase mood swings, anxiety, depression and impair cognition among adolescents.
Alcohol can bring on underlying genetic problems posing a higher risk for personality disorders and behavior problems.
Parents, educators, healthcare professionals and community leaders have a responsibility to educate teenagers on the risks of excessive drinking.
Focusing on mental health awareness will help reduce habits associated with alcohol and promote better tools for increased wellbeing. By providing teens with resources to educate themselves rather than just telling them “not to drink”, parents and guardians can also support them to make healthier choices.
Anxiety
Many teens drink in social settings to feel more outgoing or reduce symptoms of anxiety. Unfortunately this coping method youth may use to feel better, is actually increasing their anxiety in the long run. This creates a negative cycle that can be hard to break.
Speaking with your teen and supporting them in addressing the root cause of their anxiety rather than just masking symptoms is crucial. Open communication and addressing the underlying issues of what is leading them to choose drinking is an important way to prevent problems from escalating.
Depression
Like the double edged sword of anxiety, some teens may use alcohol to cope with depression, feel happier, more outgoing and social. Unfortunately in the long run, this only increases risk of depression.
Depression is a mood disorder with symptoms of:
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Fatigue
- Isolation
- Trouble Sleeping
- Excessive sleep
Alcohol is a depressant and slows down the central nervous system. It can increase pre-existing mental health conditions, worsen underlying genetic issues and trigger depressive or manic episodes in susceptible teens.
Teens most often drink alcohol in social settings due to peer pressure and a feeling of increased self esteem.
Addressing the underlying mental health issues is the number one way to avoid unhealthy coping habits to deal with depression.
Ways to Prevent Teen Alcohol Abuse
The growing issue of alcohol abuse among teens is a pressing concern for parents, health professionals and community educators. Consider the following when talking to your teen about the risks of alcohol abuse:
Promote Open Communication
Invite your teens to safely speak with you about alcohol or drug use. By having a trusting and open relationship, rather than one based on fear, your teens will be more inclined to come to you and speak about potential problems that could lead to an alcohol problem.
Find Other Activities
Teens who are naturally involved in extracurricular activities such as arts, sports or academic clubs are less likely to fall victim to peer pressure or social isolation. Both of which can lead to alcohol abuse problems.
Set Clear Rules and Consequences
Develop healthy boundaries with your teens and set clear rules regarding drinking. For example, some families may allow teens to have a drink at family or cultural celebrations. Make your rules regarding alcohol known and communicate consequences of what will happen if they are broken.
Healthy Role Modeling
Often teens who grow up in homes where adults with an alcohol problem are present pose a higher risk at developing a problem themselves. Observational learning is critical to teenage development, so if you want your teen to make good choices, parents must be the first to model them.
As with any substance abuse problem, prevention begins with an open conversation. Our team at Clearfork Academy provides a professional and compassionate setting where teens can learn healthy coping strategies to help them grow and be successful in both their mental and physical health.
Sources
Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. Underage Drinking Statistics. (n.d.)
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
