|
|
Curbing Teen Alcohol AbuseNormal adolescent behavior can be challenging for parents, but all parents should know that extreme changes in their teen's behavior or mood can be a symptom of something more serious, including alcohol abuse. Parents of teens should be on the lookout for radical changes, such as:
Because alcohol use is legal, some people view excessive drinking as less serious than abusing other drugs. But alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism, a serious, progressive disease. Over time, alcoholism destroys a person's ability to function normally and, if untreated, results in death. In fact, alcohol is the leading cause of death and injury among teenagers in the United States, often from driving after drinking. Teenagers may be under intense pressure to drink. Not only are many of their friends pushing them to drink, but alcohol is widely advertised, and these ads are particularly appealing to young people. Alcohol is, in fact, the drug of choice for most teens. When young people see their parents or hero figures drinking, they naturally assume that drinking is a normal part of everyday life. Problems can begin when the legal drinking habit becomes a dangerous addiction. The Place of Alcohol in the Home The best way to prevent alcoholism is not to start drinking at all. Short of banning all alcohol from the house, it is wise to keep alcohol in an infrequently used and inaccessible area, under lock and key. This will also help prevent accidental alcohol poisoning of toddlers and very young children. Even if you do not buy alcohol and clearly forbid your teenager to drink it, he or she can easily find ways of getting alcohol. No one can stop an alcoholic from drinking. Only the alcoholic can make that decision. You can, however, encourage your teenager to arrive at that decision, and, once the decision is made, help the alcoholic to recover. p Loving Communication J The time to talk to a teen about alcohol use or abuse is when the teen is sober and when parents feel they can remain calm. Parents should talk honestly about the behavior changes they have noticed, the harmful effects of alcohol and about seeking treatment as a family. Some teens drink to dull painful emotions or to make themselves feel more confident, particularly if they're shy or feel insecure about their looks or talents. Express your love and support for your children by communicating openly and freely with them. Provide calm and consistent standards of behavior, including moderation in the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Teens respond to reasons and example better than to orders. Example Is a Powerful Teacher Children of drinkers, especially heavy drinkers, often start drinking themselves, some at a surprisingly early age. It is not known if alcoholism is caused by heredity, environment or a combination of factors. However, a good way to prevent your children from drinking is to stop drinking yourself. Getting Help If you suspect your teenager has a drinking problem, don't ignore it or hope that it will go away on its own. It won't. Instead, learn all you can about alcohol dependency and about treatment programs available to your teen. Give him or her accurate information, supplemented by pamphlets and books geared to a teenage audience. Discuss some real-life consequences of alcohol and drug abuse. Never try to scare teens with false or distorted information. If he or she refuses to talk with you, don't give up. Talk to a school counselor or ask your physician for a referral to an alcohol or drug abuse counselor who specializes in troubled teens. Remember, alcoholism affects every member of the family. Whether or not the alcoholic gets into treatment, family members can benefit from support groups, such as Al-Anon. Though these efforts may be difficult, they are the most loving things you can do. |
|