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Dangers of Alcohol and Adolescents

Alcohol abuse among teens is very common. In fact, over 40 percent of high school students report trying alcohol by the eighth grade. Despite how common it is, teen alcohol abuse is not something that should be ignored. The dangerous effects of alcohol abuse on teens can lead to serious consequences now and later in life, including health problems, social problems, permanent damage and problems with alcoholism well into adulthood.

Alcohol use decreases a teens' ability to pay attention. Many teens who have experienced a withdrawal from alcohol tend to have difficulties with memory and focusing. Each year, almost 2,000 people under the age of 21 die in car crashes in which underage drinking is involved. Alcohol is involved in nearly half of all violent deaths involving teens. Intoxication is associated with suicide attempts using more lethal methods, and positive blood alcohol levels are often found in people who complete suicide. Teens who drink are also more likely to engage in sexual activity, have unprotected sex, have sex with a stranger, or be the victim or perpetrator of a sexual assault. These are just a few of the dangerous effects that alcohol use has on adolescents. 

Alcohol Abuse Counseling

If you know a teen who is abusing alcohol, don’t wait to intervene. The sooner your troubled teen receives help for their alcohol abuse, the more likely they’ll be to avoid the long-lasting dangerous effects of their alcohol abuse. Fortunately, there are many different teen alcohol treatment programs to choose from. The most effective teen alcohol rehab may be a residential treatment program. At a residential treatment program, your teen will have access to 24/7 supervision and care, detoxification, dual diagnosis treatment, and a variety of other treatments based on their individual needs.