Why Do Teens Drink? Understanding the Pressure of Being a Teen

It’s pretty normal for teens to experiment with drugs and alcohol out of curiosity or testing their independence. Teens have a high risk of developing a drinking problem due to peer pressure, genetics and underlying mental health issues. The risks of alcohol abuse can cause long lasting effects on the brain and body. 

Understanding why teens drink and recognizing the red flags is important for parents to know to provide proper support and intervention. 

The Underage Drinking Problem

Underage drinking is common among teenagers, 34.2% of teens 12-18 drink alcohol. Alcohol use usually begins in adolescence and becomes more likely as they age. Unfortunately, earlier alcohol use is associated with a higher likelihood of developing alcoholism or other problems in adulthood. 

Binge drinking is a common part of this problem. Teens may go to parties and drink heavy amounts in one sitting or day. Binge drinking can be dangerous because there is a higher risk of alcohol poisoning or dehydration. It can also impair judgment that increases the likelihood of accidents or injuries. 

It is important for parents, educators and community leaders to be mindful of this issue to help create preventive strategies and educate teens about the risk of alcohol abuse. 

Why Do Teens Drink Alcohol? 

It is normal for teens to experiment with alcohol. Teens drink alcohol for a number of reasons. They may be extra curious, and sometimes experiment with alcohol or drugs. Part of this is based on being impulsive or exploring their independence. For teens that are at a higher-risk, they may use alcohol to cope with mental health issues, trauma or problems at home or in school. 

Some teens will drink to cope with stress or emotional problems. They also may drink to feel more social at parties. Teens that grow up in unstable homes or with alcoholics in the family also have a higher risk of alcohol abuse. Basically, the easier available alcohol is in a teen´s life, the more likely they are to experiment.  

Warning Signs of Underage Drinking 

Recognizing the signs of underage drinking is important to help create preventative strategies. The quicker parents can recognize red flags, the quicker they can intervene to get them proper treatment. Signs your teen may have a problem with alcohol consumption include: 

• Finding alcohol in their room or backpack
• Sudden decrease in school performance 
• Visibly coming home drunk (slurred speech, fatigue, smell of alcohol on breath) 
• Aggression or angry outbursts 
• Nausea, headaches or other symptoms of hangovers 
• Isolation
• Being secretive in general or having new friends and keeping them a secret 
• Smell of alcohol on breath
• Aggression
• Nausea, headaches or other physical symptoms of a hangover 

The Role of Parents In Underage Drinking 

Parents play a large role in teen drinking both in accessibility and prevention. If alcohol is readily available in the home, it is more likely teens will experiment with friends. They are also more likely to experiment drinking if alcohol is a taboo topic that never gets discussed. 

Teens learn best by observation. Parents should try and model the behaviors themselves that they want to see in their teens. If teens grow up seeing parents use alcohol as their method of coping or heavy binge drinking, they are more likely to embody these behaviors themselves. 

Alcohol consumption may also depend on the local laws or culture of the family (drinking during a religious ceremony, allowing a teen to toast with champagne at a wedding, etc.). 

Preventing Underage Drinking 

There are a number of strategies that both parents and community leaders can take to help decrease the rates of underage drinking. Rather than punishment, education is the best way to go when speaking with your teen about a potential drinking problem. Some tips for parents to help prevent underage drinking both in and outside of the home include: 

• Have open discussions about alcohol or other taboo topics in the home
• Set rules and consequences around drinking. Make sure you explain with your teen calmly why these are in place
• Be mindful of where your teen is and who they spend time with
• Build trust and open communication with your teen through actively listening and empathy
• Make sure your teen knows that if they do find themselves in a situation with alcohol that they can call you as support. This can go a long way in preventing injuries or drinking while driving  
• Encourage your teen to be involved in sports, arts or other activities that may keep them from isolating themselves and drinking 

Treating Underage Drinking Problem 

A drinking problem during the teenage years can cause a number of severe health problems later on in life. Although experimenting with alcohol is normal for teens, if you suspect your teenager has developed a problem with alcohol it is important to get them professional treatment. 

Our treatment programs at Clearfork are tailored to address underlying mental health problems that could be contributing to an alcohol problem. Some general programs and activities your teen can expect include:

• One-on-one therapy: Therapists licensed in CBT, DBT and other forms of psychotherapy will help address underlying mental health problems or trauma. Sessions may be daily or a few times per week. Your teen will learn to understand their drinking problem, set goals and build healthy coping skills. 
• Support groups: Led by a licensed therapist, teens will connect with each other in a group setting. This can help them share similar experiences regarding substance abuse and their mental health. This can decrease isolation, help them build empathy,  and learn new coping strategies.
• Medication: Detox from medication may require medication. This helps craving and withdrawal symptoms. Psychiatric medication may also be used to manage underlying mental health problems. 
• Physical activities: Recreational therapies can help reduce cravings for alcohol and stress associated with drinking. These include sports, yoga, dance, or hiking.
• Life skills: We help build life skills that teens can use for their long-term recovery. These include healthy communication, confidence, emotional regulation, and more. 
• Art therapy: Creative therapies are offered and are a great outlet for stress reducing, processing feelings and boosting emotional wellness.  

Seeking Professional Help

If you identify warning signs of an alcohol problem in your teen, it’s important to reach out for professional support to help find the best plan of treatment. 

At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of substance abuse disorders in teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more. 

Sources

Alcohol Use in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics. 2024. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.