Teenage alcohol abuse or underage drinking is a significant problem. Drinking alcohol in excess, especially at a young age, is extremely dangerous because it alters brain chemistry and makes it difficult for the body and mind to develop in a healthy manner. Teen substance abuse treatment can be instrumental in preventing lifelong addiction.
Many factors can play a part in the development of teen substance abuse. These factors can e family dynamics, peer pressure, and the stress that comes with living anywhere alcohol is readily available. If you think that a teen you love may be struggling with alcohol addiction, professional support is usually the best option.
At Fort Behavioral Health, we have established a highly effective teen substance abuse treatment program that includes teen alcohol addiction treatment. If you or someone you care about might benefit from this type of care, reach out to our Fort Behavioral Health team today by calling 844.332.1807 or reaching out to us online.
Signs of Teen Alcohol Abuse
If a teen you love has changed drastically over a short period of time, begun to withdraw suddenly, or started to get in trouble, look for signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse. It’s essential to know signs of teen alcohol abuse so you can help your child if they struggle with alcohol addiction.
Some prominent signs of teen alcohol abuse to watch for are:
- A physical reaction to alcohol, such as hangovers
- Prolonged loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of interest in friends, school, or activities that were once fun
- Reduced ability to think or concentrate
- Using alcohol alone or more than their peers
- Day drinking
It is important to remember that alcohol abuse isn’t incompatible with being a “good kid” or even an overachieving star. Some teens may resort to excessive drinking because they have trouble dealing with the stressors in their lives. For example, a teen who has been bullied in school may be frustrated and feel powerless to deal with the issues plaguing them for months. This frustration and helplessness can lead to substance abuse when alcohol is used to cope with these problems.
Another common reason for substance abuse among teens is peer pressure. Teens who feel pressured by their friends and other people may turn to substances such as alcohol to deal with anxiety and tension.
Teenage alcohol abuse is a severe health condition in which a person’s drinking habits become excessive. If a teenager you love is suffering from the effects of adolescent alcoholism or another form of a substance use disorder, you can help.
How to Treat Teen Alcohol Abuse and Addiction
Speaking openly about alcohol abuse with your teen can prevent abuse and addiction. Just because someone has been drinking does not mean they will become addicted to alcohol. Some young people can quit drinking without any help from a doctor or other adult. However, most adolescents don’t have the developmental maturity or coping skills to stop using alcohol independently and require structured support.
Take action against excessive underage drinking by having frank discussions with the teens in your life about the dangers of alcohol use and the prevalence of addiction. Most importantly, know that recovery can’t take place in a vacuum. If a teen you love struggles with substance abuse, seek professional support in the form of a teen substance abuse treatment program as soon as possible.
Identify Signs of Teen Alcohol Abuse at Fort Behavioral Health
With the proper support, teens can recover from alcohol addiction and grow to lead healthy, happy, productive lives. At Fort Behavioral Health, we pair decades of experience with compassion and discretion to provide the highest quality teen substance abuse treatment. We also offer a range of complementary family therapies and support groups. To schedule a consultation or learn more, reach out to us online or call 844.332.1807 today.
