Adolescent Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol and drug use is the nation's number one problem with youth, and has become a major mental health problem in the US. Alcohol abuse greatly increases an adolescent's risk for injuries, violence, and other major social-emotional issues.
By far alcohol is the drug of choice among youth. Alcohol is very easy to get a hold of, and is predominant in every community across the nation. Today, adolescents and their parents are living with the consequences of drinking and the abuse of alcohol. Unfortunately, with today's youth the age at which the consequences are happening are getting younger. As a result, underage drinking is a leading public health problem in this country.
Why Adolescents Abuse Alcohol
As children move from adolescence into the teenage years (and into young adulthood), they experience physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes. With each passing year they want more and more "adult like" independence. Adults drink alcohol and its pretty much accepted every where. Teenagers want to have the freedoms and experiences of an adult, therefore they begin to experiment with alcohol.
Adolescent Alcohol Abuse Assessment Tool
- Ever had at least one drink of alcohol on at least 1 day
- Drank alcohol for the first time before age 13 years
- Had five or more drinks of alcohol in a row within a couple of hours on at least 1 day
- Usually obtained the alcohol they consumed by someone giving it to them
- Had at least one drink of alcohol on school property on at least 1 day
If your adolescent has experienced the behaviors described above then your adolescent may have a serious problem.