Signs And Treatment Options For Teen Alcohol Abuse

An occasional alcoholic beverage is nothing to be concerned with; however, feeling the need to drink each day, multiple times a day, could be a sign of a problem. While surprising to learn, there are a large number of adolescents and young adults who are currently suffering with an addiction to alcohol. As a parent, knowing the signs of alcohol abuse is key if you want to prevent your teen from abusing alcohol. With this guide, you will learn the signs that your teen is abusing alcohol and options to help your teen live a healthier life.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Each person is different, so your teen may show different signs than another teen who is abusing alcohol. Knowing the different ways teenagers may react when abusing alcohol can help.

In most cases, if your teen is abusing alcohol or drugs, you will notice some big changes in their mood. Teens that are usually happy and outgoing may seem sad and depressed. They may also isolate themselves from you, other family members, and their friends. If your teen is abusing alcohol, they may quit sports and clubs, no longer having any interest in things they used to enjoy.

Teenagers who are abusing alcohol may also begin breaking normal household rules, such as missing curfew and not completing chores. Your teen may also start struggling in school. You may get calls that your teen has missed classes or even full days. Their grades may be declining, too.

If your teen is sneaking around, showing signs that they are hiding something, or you are noticing money and items are missing from your wallet and home, this can also be a sign of alcohol abuse.

Help and Treatment

Most teens do not respond well to confrontation, but it is important to talk to your teen about their emotions and the signs you are seeing. Make sure your teen understands you are concerned out of love and not anger.

Communicate to your teen the dangers of consuming an excessive amount of alcohol. These dangers not only affect their emotional and social life, but they can also increase the risk of dangerous behavior, accidents, and injuries.

Working with a counselor is also beneficial if your teen is abusing alcohol. In many cases, teens who abuse alcohol or drugs are struggling with some sort of emotional disorder, such as anxiety or depression. Your teen may require therapy and medication to treat their underlying mental health disorder while receiving counseling for their alcohol addiction. For more information, contact an alcohol rehabilitation program in your area today.