Teen Alcohol Abuse
Teen Alcohol Abuse is Dangerous
Alcohol use is one of the most common forms of recreational substance use.
Its use is legal for persons 21 years of age and older.
People often drink in social settings in order to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.
Alcohol use in moderation is not a major problem, but when it begins to interfere with daily living, then it is an issue that has cause for concern.
Teenagers are influenced by their peers, media, parents, and even dysfunctional role models in the media who may glamorize substance abuse.
The United States is currently facing an increasing problem of teenage alcohol abuse.
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among individuals under 21 years old.
Teenagers who consume alcohol, especially to excess and high frequency, have a risk of developing addiction among several mental and physical health issues.
If you or a loved one is at risk of alcohol addiction, get help today.
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Teen Alcohol Prevalence
Teenagers typically begin experimenting with alcohol use by the age of 15.
Approximately 1/3 of teenagers have consumed alcohol at least once in their life.
This statistic increases to 60% by the age of 18.
In 2015, 7.7 million teenagers participated in binge drinking in a survey conducted by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or SAMHSA.
This survey reported that 11% of all alcohol in the U.S. is consumed by youth aged from 12 to 20 years old.
Binge drinking is defined as consuming an excessive amount of alcohol within a short period of time.
The average standard of binge drinking is drinking five alcoholic drinks for men and four alcoholic drinks for women in less than two hours.
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Teen Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is more common among young people as opposed to adults. In the United States, the standard of alcohol intoxication from binge drinking is indicated by a blood alcohol concentration minimum of 0.08% within two hours of consumption.
Many factors influence intoxication, including the number and strength of the alcoholic drink, body weight, sex, age, and tolerance. Research indicates that early alcohol abuse and binge drinking can result in further abuse as the teen reaches adulthood.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is a mental health condition resulting from frequent heavy alcohol use. It is characterized by a chronic compulsion to consume alcohol, often without regard to the amount consumed or frequency of use. This is sometimes referred to as alcoholism.
Dependency almost always comes with withdrawal symptoms that appear when the person stops using alcohol after prolonged use. Alcohol is one of the most dangerous substances to withdraw from; it can be lethal in some cases. Medical supervision is highly recommended when attempting to withdraw from alcohol use disorder.
Medical detoxification is one of the first steps to treat alcohol use disorder. This process will eliminate the toxins throughout your body. Detox is often performed under the supervision of medical healthcare professionals at rehabilitation centers or medical settings.
Many teenagers are currently dealing with alcohol use disorder. It is important to know about the treatment available so that teens can experience adulthood free from the grip of addiction. Several methods of treatment are available for alcohol use disorder, including psychotherapy, counseling, and medication.
It can be highly difficult to cope with alcohol use disorder on your own. Isolation can lead to more problems, including damaged relationships, job loss, financial struggles, and suicidal ideation and/or tendencies. If you or someone you know has these feelings, it is important to seek help immediately. Early intervention may help prevent alcohol from causing further damage.
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Common Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder or Alcoholism
In the United States, alcohol purchase and consumption are legal for persons 21 and older. However, teenagers find ways to access alcohol. Alcohol use can be dangerous if not consumed responsibly.
Often, teenagers experience alcohol and find the pleasure outweighs the risks. They can sometimes drink excessively and frequently. Peer pressure can lead to increased alcohol use due to wanting to be accepted by their peers.
Capacity for alcohol intake varies; therefore, there is no set amount of consumption that is accurate indication of alcohol use disorder.
Below are common signs of alcohol use disorder or alcoholism:
- Decline in work or school performance and neglecting other responsibilities because of alcohol use
- Binge drinking or drinking more than intended
- Drinking as a coping mechanism for a mental health condition, also known as self-medicating
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences
- Blacking out or not remembering actions under the influence of alcohol
- Lying about how much alcohol is consumed
If you or someone you know displays any of these signs, it may be time to get help. Consider obtaining a proper evaluation from a licensed healthcare professional. They can help you find the proper treatment and resources available for alcohol use disorder.
How Are Teens Treated for Alcohol Use Disorder?
Teenagers are especially susceptible to the damaging effects that alcohol has on the brain due to it not fully being developed in many areas. Therefore, early intervention for teenagers can help reduce further damage.
Alcohol use disorder is treated through a variety of methods. Inpatient and outpatient treatment are offered at many mental health treatment centers or rehabilitation clinics. In more severe cases, admission into a mental health treatment center or rehabilitation clinic is the best step to obtain the proper treatment.
Mental health treatment services are provided by healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, psychiatric nurses, and social workers. Typically, only a licensed medical doctor such as a psychiatrist can prescribe medication. However, in some states, psychologists can prescribe medication.
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Seeking treatment for your dependency is one of the bravest things you can do for yourself. Do not let your situation stop you from contacting Resurgence Behavioral Health.
We provide honest and accurate pricing information for all of our treatment options, and we offer free insurance verification. Call us today to find out more.
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Do not wait any further!
Help is available to you when you need it.
You are not alone in this struggle.
Your loved ones cared to provide an intervention for you so that you can get the help you need and deserve.
The trained professionals at Resurgence Behavioral Health genuinely care about you and dedicate their lives to make sure you can live yours.
To overcome substance addiction, proper drug therapy treatment is required.
It is not an easy walk, but our treatment is the best option when it comes to your health.
We provide the most professional treatment to give you a fighting chance in a rough battle.
Let today be the day you reach out to Resurgence Behavioral Health so that you can begin to reclaim the life you have been missing!
