Looking for alcohol abuse in teens

The comprehensive examination of alcohol and other drug abuse includes a discussion of substance abuse during adolescence. Some of the following statistics bear witness to the magnitude of this problem:

• Alcohol consumption among teenagers in the United States begins between the ages of 12 and 16.
• Alcohol-related highway accidents are the greatest causes of death during adolescence.
• 41 percent of all high school seniors consume alcohol to the point of intoxication at least once every two weeks.
• Authorities believe that at least 3.3 million teenagers have a drinking problem.
• Alcohol is the number one drug problem among teenagers.

One of the hallmarks of substance abuse problems is denial. This holds true for teenagers involved in drug abuse who often successfully hide the problem, avoiding detection, until the problem is severe.

Since “normal adolescence” typically finds a teenager being rebellious, negativistic, resisting authority and testing limits, it is difficult at times to distinguish between these adolescent characteristics and deeper, more serious problems. Some of the more obvious behaviors associated with substance abuse during adolescence include:

• Abrupt downturn in schoolwork and apathy about completing homework, special projects or other assignments.
• Unexplained attendance problems. The child’s school may inform parents of missed classes or whole days of unexcused absences.
• Formation of peer relationships with individuals involved in drug use.
• A greater than average amount of resistance to rules and limits, especially those that pertain to late night or weekend activities.
• As alcohol and/or other drug abuse increases, there is a tendency toward needing more and more money, borrowing more from friends and parents, or even resorting to theft to purchase alcohol and drugs.

Peer pressure remains one of the chief reasons that teenagers become involved in substance abuse. The ability to resist involvement in drug and alcohol use comes from an inner strength based on a healthy self-concept and the ability to resist conforming to the norms of a group practicing unhealthy behaviors.

Parents should openly discuss the problems of alcoholism with their teenagers and encourage healthy habits including proper nutrition, adequate rest and exercise. Proper alternatives to those activities where alcohol and drug use is common needs to be provided for teenagers.

Copyright c 1998 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.