Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse in Teens

There are a multitude of potential dangers for teenagers. Between bullying, peer pressure, and cyberbullying they face many more dangers today than teenagers a generation or two ago. These dangers are a big concern for parents who are looking to keep teenagers healthy and safe. However, in addition to the previously mentioned dangers, one of the biggest problems is that of alcohol abuse in teenagers.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol gathered some staggering statistics about alcohol use among teenagers. They have found:

• Nearly 30% of teens have had at least one drink by the age of 15
• Approximately 58% of teens have had at least one drink by the age of 18
• Over 4 million teens have admitted to binge drinking in the previous month
• Drinking is not just popular with teenaged boys. Statistics show that among children aged 16 and 17, 18.4% of girls had at least one drink and 18.1% of boys had at least one drink

These statistics are a big concern to parents and are something to watch teenagers to ensure that they do not have a drinking problem. There are many signs that parents and educators can keep an eye out to see if a teen has an alcohol problem. The signs include

• Maintaining a sloppy appearance
• Having dramatic mood changes
• Memory problems
• Having a lower energy level

To learn more about the problems of alcohol abuse and use in teenagers, and what the warning signs may be, we have included a number of helpful resources. We hope this helps families keep an eye out for clues that your teenager may need some help. Please feel free to share this information with others.

• Alcohol and Teen Information
• Facts and Effects of Teen Drinking
• Alcohol and Teenagers
• Alcohol and the Effect on the Brain
• Talking with Teens About Alcohol
• Having the Discussion About Alcohol with Teenagers
• Underage Drinking Fact Sheets
• Underage Drinking Statistics
• Teenage Alcohol Abuse Statistics
• Facts About Teens and Alcohol
• The Toll of Underage Drinking
• Consequences of Underage Drinking
• Dangers of Teen Drinking
• Teen Drinking Risk Factors
• How to Tell if Your Child is Drinking Alcohol
• Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse
• Signs of Underage Alcohol Use
• Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse
• Resources to Prevent Alcohol Abuse
• Substance Use Resources for Adolescents
• Underage Drinking Links and Resources

Underage drinking is a big problem that parents are facing today. Continued drinking can lead to a downward spiral that can have an effect on education and personal lives. We hope that this information is helpful.