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As parents of teenagers, it’s natural to worry about your child’s safety, health, and well-being. One thing that can keep us up at night is the thought of our teens experimenting with alcohol and its negative effects.
The truth is, that alcohol abuse can have serious consequences on both the physical and mental health of teenagers. Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance among teenagers in the United States, and its effects can be long-lasting and damaging.
In this post, we’ll explore the dangers of alcohol abuse for teenagers, including its impact on their developing bodies, brains, and emotions.
By understanding the risks, we can have open, non-judgemental conversations with our teens and help them make informed decisions when it comes to drinking.
Some Stark Facts
The teenage years are a turbulent and formative period, with teens striving to establish their identities as young adults while trying to avoid the harmful temptations that can be found in today’s society. And the primary one is alcohol abuse. As well, in contrast to adults, teens tend to abuse alcohol with other substances, usually marijuana.
In recent surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was found that over 20% of U.S. high school students had reported drinking alcohol within 30 days before completing a survey.
More alarmingly, over 8% admitted to binge drinking—defined as consuming five or more alcoholic beverages on one occasion—an incredibly dangerous pursuit when we consider just how damaging the consequences can be for physically developing boys and girls under age 18.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health in the United States reported that:
- About half of junior high and senior high school students drink alcohol every month
- 14% of teens have been intoxicated at least once in the past year
- Nearly 8% of teens who drink say they drink at least five or more alcoholic drinks in a row (binge drinking)
A study reported in medicinenet.com summarized some stark facts:
- Almost 2,000 people under the age of 21 die in car crashes in which underage drinking is involved
- Alcohol is involved in nearly half of all violent deaths involving youth
- More than three times the number of eighth-grade girls who drink heavily said they have attempted suicide compared to girls in that grade who do not drink
- Teens who drink are more likely to engage in sexual activity, have unprotected sex, have sex with a stranger, or be the victim or perpetrator of a sexual assault
- Male teens who drink heavily tend to complete fewer years of education compared to male teens who do not
As parents who may be worried about their sons or daughters falling into this type of behavior, it’s important to understand why teen alcohol abuse carries such severe repercussions.
| Not only does abusing alcohol during adolescence increase long-term risks of health issues ranging from strokes to cancer, but it also puts extreme strain on kids psychologically by raising feelings of depression and in some cases, leading to suicidal thoughts.
Understandably, teen alcohol abuse is a serious issue of great concern to parents.
Physical Health Consequences of Teen Alcohol Abuse
Because young people’s bodies are still growing, alcohol can interfere with their development. This makes young people particularly vulnerable to the long-term damage caused by alcohol which can last a lifetime.
Damage to Organs Due to Alcohol Abuse
Prolonged and excessive use of alcohol can result in severe damage to various organs in the body, including:
- Cancer of the mouth and throat
- Liver cirrhosis
- High blood pressure, heart disease, and even heart failure
- The liver, which is responsible for detoxifying the body, can become inflamed, and over time, may lead to irreversible scarring
| With the liver acting as the primary organ responsible for processing alcohol, it is often the most heavily impacted. Chronic alcoholism can lead to liver inflammation, liver disease, and cirrhosis, which can ultimately be fatal.
Other organs like the pancreas and kidneys are also at risk, with chronic alcohol consumption leading to pancreatitis and kidney failure. The damage to these organs serves as a grim reminder of the importance of responsible drinking and the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption.
Risks to the Teenage Brain
Teenagers who abuse alcohol can experience significant damage to their developing brains. The brain undergoes crucial changes during adolescence, and exposing it to alcohol can have long-lasting effects on its structure and function.
Here are some of the potential damages that alcohol abuse can cause to the teenage brain:
- Impaired brain development: The teenage brain is still maturing, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and judgment.
Alcohol interferes with the normal development of this region, leading to difficulties in these areas throughout adulthood.
- Cognitive deficits: Alcohol abuse can negatively affect cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, learning, and problem-solving skills.
Teenagers who abuse alcohol may have difficulties in school, decreased academic performance, and problems with executive functions.
- Emotional and behavioral problems: Alcohol can disrupt the brain’s delicate balance of neurotransmitters, leading to emotional and behavioral issues.
Teenagers who abuse alcohol are more prone to depression, anxiety, aggression, and impulsive behavior.
- Increased risk of addiction: The teenage brain is particularly vulnerable to addiction due to ongoing brain development.
Alcohol abuse during adolescence can alter the brain’s reward system, making individuals more susceptible to developing a substance use disorder or other addictive behaviors.
- Structural changes: Prolonged alcohol abuse can result in structural alterations in the brain. It can shrink certain brain regions, such as the hippocampus (important for memory) and the cerebellum (responsible for motor coordination).
These changes can have lasting effects on cognitive and motor functions.
- Risk of alcohol use disorder in adulthood: Teenagers who abuse alcohol are at a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life.
Early alcohol exposure can increase the likelihood of problematic alcohol use patterns and dependency in adulthood.
The severity of brain damage can vary depending on the frequency, duration, and quantity of alcohol consumed, as well as genetic and environmental factors.
It’s always advisable for teenagers to avoid alcohol altogether, as their brains are still developing and are particularly susceptible to harm.
Increased Risk of Injury
Teenagers who drink alcohol are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and suffer injuries, such as falls, car accidents, and violence.
Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence of alcohol not only puts the teen in danger but also those around them.
The effects of alcohol can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making accidents much more likely. Unfortunately, car injuries resulting from teen alcohol abuse are some of the most preventable.
By educating teens on the risks of alcohol abuse and the importance of making smart choices, we can work towards reducing the number of injuries caused by underage drinking.
Mental Health Consequences of Teen Alcohol Abuse
Teen alcohol abuse can have serious consequences on an adolescent’s mental health. Teens who abuse alcohol often struggle with anxiety, mood swings, depression, and other mental health issues that can persist well into adulthood.
These teens are also at a higher risk of developing personality disorders and behavioral issues. Alcohol can disrupt healthy brain development, leading to impaired cognition and memory and a decrease in the ability to pay attention.
| Parents, teachers, and youth leaders can address the mental health consequences of teen alcohol abuse and educate teens on the dangers of excessive drinking.
By prioritizing mental health awareness, we can help prevent harmful alcohol habits and promote a healthier, happier future for our youth.
Providing teens with the resources and support they need to make healthy choices is key to helping them avoid the damaging effects of alcohol abuse.
Anxiety
Teen alcohol abuse is a deeply concerning issue that can be exacerbated by the presence of anxiety, creating a complex and distressing situation for adolescents.
Anxiety, a mental health condition characterized by overwhelming worry and fear, can manifest in various forms such as social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, or panic disorder.
| Adolescents who abuse alcohol may be coping with feelings of anxiety. So these teens face a double burden. Their anxiety can drive them towards using alcohol as a crutch to deal with stressful situations.
Yet alcohol itself can intensify their anxiety symptoms, creating a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.
Addressing the root causes of anxiety and seeking professional help can be crucial in preventing and treating alcohol abuse among teenagers.
As with all mental health issues, early intervention and open communication are essential to mitigating the negative impacts of anxiety. Effective treatment usually requires addressing underlying issues or trauma.
Depression
Teen alcohol abuse can also lead to a heightened risk of depression. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities.
When teenagers engage in excessive alcohol consumption, it can disrupt their brain chemistry and negatively impact their emotional well-being.
Alcohol acts as a depressant, slowing down the central nervous system and altering neurotransmitter levels. This disruption can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or trigger depressive symptoms in susceptible individuals.
Moreover, alcohol abuse in adolescence often occurs in social settings, where peer pressure and a desire to fit in can contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
| The consequences of depression resulting from teen alcohol abuse can be severe, affecting academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life.
It’s important to address mental health concerns early to deal with your teen’s depression, especially if you believe it is related to alcohol abuse, as this can have highly detrimental effects on their well-being.
In many cases, seeking empathic professional help such as we provide at Clearfork Academy can be a crucial step to get teens on the right track toward healing and recovery in a supportive, yet fun, setting. Remember, it’s never too late to get help, and there is always hope.
Evidence for the Negative Impact of Teen Alcohol Abuse on Youth
Recent studies have highlighted the serious and far-reaching negative impacts that can result from teens’ use of alcohol.
Evidence has shown that teen alcohol abuse can lead to a host of physical and mental health issues, including:
- Poor academic performance
- Impaired judgment and decision-making skills
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries
- And even addiction
As such, parents, teachers, and community members must work together to prevent and address teen alcohol abuse.
Ways to Prevent Teen Alcohol Abuse
The escalating issue of teen alcohol abuse demands urgent attention in our modern society.
As parents, guardians, or educators, proactive engagement and preventive measures are critical.
Cultivate a climate of open dialogue about the perils and repercussions of alcohol abuse, offering clarity and support.
Encourage teens to engage in enriching alternatives like sports, clubs, or volunteering, which provide fulfilling paths away from harmful substances.
Establish and enforce clear guidelines and consequences, creating a deterrent against experimentation.
By taking these proactive steps, we can guide our teens towards more positive choices, ensuring a healthier, more promising future.
SAMHSA’s Talk. They Hear You Program
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) “Talk. They Hear You.” underage drinking prevention campaign empowers parents and caregivers to talk with children early about alcohol and other drug use.
Check out the “Parents’ Night Out” YouTube educational sessions which aim to inform parents and caregivers about the realities of underage drinking and other drug use, prepare them to talk with their kids about these issues, and motivate them to start these important conversations.
Our Responsibility
Former Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) administrator Nelba Chavez, PhD, said “Parents need to know that alcohol use can also be a warning sign or a cry for help that something is seriously wrong in a child’s life.”
As parents and educators, we have an incredibly important responsibility to protect the young people in our lives from the dangers of teen alcohol abuse. By staying involved and informed, we can help reduce the risks associated with underage drinking and create a safer environment for our children. This may involve:
- Having open and honest conversations with our teens about the dangers of alcohol
- Support them in developing an openness and understanding of other issues they may feel
- Providing support for youths who “experiment” with drinking or have begun using alcohol more regularly
- Setting healthy boundaries and expectations
- Seeking professional help when necessary
| Prevention begins with an open dialogue; but if alcohol has already become a problem for a teen, you and they should seek help right away.
Our team is dedicated to helping those affected by teen alcohol abuse gain an understanding of the seriousness of their drinking, so they can begin the process of growth and behavioral change to live happier and healthier lives.
If you feel your son or daughter may need a supportive treatment environment on this journey, we understand how difficult this process can be and are here to provide support every step of the way – contact us today.
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.
