Why do teens abuse alcohol?
First of all, it is impossible to say exactly what factors (i.e. environmental, social, biological) are responsible for alcohol abuse in the case of any particular teen. Some people attribute mental illness as a leading cause of alcohol and drug abuse in teens. It is true that many people who suffer from mental health issues also abuse drugs and alcohol. Some researchers estimate that as many as 80% of adolescents that meet criteria for substance abuse or dependence also have a mental health diagnoses. However, research indicates that most teens that meet criteria for mental health problems start using/abusing alcohol and other drugs for the same reasons that other teens do. Most teens cite that initially they used drugs and alcohol because they were curious, they like the feeling, they wanted to have a good time, and they wanted to be social.
It is also true that parents sometimes think that their children will not try alcohol until they are of legal age. The thrust of the matter is that teens experiment with alcohol way before it is legal for them to drink it. Although experimenting with alcohol may be common among some teens, it is important that parents talk to their children about alcohol use and abuse. Parents talk to your children about the long and short-term effects and consequences that alcohol could cause in a person’s life. Remember that children may be influence by their friends and they may claim using alcohol or getting involved in alcohol use because of peer pressure. Parents teach your children how to say "No” to peer pressure and assure them that thinking and acting as individuals is very important. Explain to them that the decisions they make today has a consequence tomorrow.
For more information, please visit:
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
First of all, it is impossible to say exactly what factors (i.e. environmental, social, biological) are responsible for alcohol abuse in the case of any particular teen. Some people attribute mental illness as a leading cause of alcohol and drug abuse in teens. It is true that many people who suffer from mental health issues also abuse drugs and alcohol. Some researchers estimate that as many as 80% of adolescents that meet criteria for substance abuse or dependence also have a mental health diagnoses. However, research indicates that most teens that meet criteria for mental health problems start using/abusing alcohol and other drugs for the same reasons that other teens do. Most teens cite that initially they used drugs and alcohol because they were curious, they like the feeling, they wanted to have a good time, and they wanted to be social.
It is also true that parents sometimes think that their children will not try alcohol until they are of legal age. The thrust of the matter is that teens experiment with alcohol way before it is legal for them to drink it. Although experimenting with alcohol may be common among some teens, it is important that parents talk to their children about alcohol use and abuse. Parents talk to your children about the long and short-term effects and consequences that alcohol could cause in a person’s life. Remember that children may be influence by their friends and they may claim using alcohol or getting involved in alcohol use because of peer pressure. Parents teach your children how to say "No” to peer pressure and assure them that thinking and acting as individuals is very important. Explain to them that the decisions they make today has a consequence tomorrow.
For more information, please visit:
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
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