Teenage Alcohol Abuse

Dear Dr. LeCrone:

Will you please write on the subject of teenagers and alcohol abuse? This problem is rampant in many communities in this country.

-A teacher in Florida

Dear Teacher:

Several years ago, Julie Richards, a high school senior in my hometown, provided me with much of the following information as part of her class research project. Since this project she has gone on to become a very successful attorney.

Some of the statistics may be slightly different now, but her research continues to provide valuable information.

• Drinking typically begins in the United States between the ages of 12 and 16.

• Alcohol-related highway accidents are the greatest cause of teenage deaths.

• Forty-one percent of all high school seniors drink to drunkenness at least once every two weeks.

• More than 3 million teenagers have a drinking problem.

• Alcohol is the number one killer of 15 to 24 year-olds.

• Alcohol is the number one drug problem among teenagers.


The following are symptoms of alcohol problems.

• Greater and greater tolerance for alcohol

• Personality changes

• Obvious uncontrolled drinking and/or binge drinking

• Blackouts

• Denial of problems

• Drinks gulped

• Solitary drinking

• Malnutrition and other medical problems caused by excessive alcohol use

Other symptoms of teenage alcohol abuse include lowered school performance, the replacement of former friends with friends that use alcohol and secretive patterns of behavior that attempt to hide alcohol use.

Here are some guidelines to consider when confronting a teenager with alcohol problems:

• People must be well informed about alcohol abuse, understanding that denial is a typical initial response by the alcohol abuser. Confronters need to carefully choose the time, place and wording. Having a confident and positive manner and information about resources for assistance with alcohol related problems is essential. Strategies and techniques for prevention can help teens reduce the risk of developing problems with alcohol.

• Parents should also openly discuss the problem of alcoholism with their teenagers and serve as good role models especially where the use of alcohol is concerned.

• Parents should encourage healthy habits with their teenagers, including proper nutrition, adequate rest and exercise.

• Proper alternatives need to be provided including such things as sports, creative outlets, social functions and cultural opportunities.

Hopefully teenagers and their parents will benefit from this research study and avoid the problems that alcohol abuse can bring to all parties.