Teen Alcohol Abuse
August 6th 2007 04:33 pm
There is a barrage of print ads, TV and radio commercials and general societal belief supporting the message that alcohol leads to a good time. Combine that message with the adolescent need for acceptance and popularity, and it’s no wonder teen alcohol abuse is so prevalent. There is not as much information discussing the negative effects of alcohol, particularly when it comes to teen alcohol abuse:
Drinking and driving: One of the leading causes of teen death is vehicle crashes. Teen alcohol abuse not only impairs a teen’s ability to appoint and use a designated driver, but also sharply increases the likelihood that they will be involved in a vehicle crash, possibly injuring or killing themselves or someone else.
Sexual promiscuity: Teen alcohol abuse is linked to casual sex, unprotected sex, unplanned pregnancies and regrets. It starts with a dulled sense of judgement, caused by the alcohol’s effect on the brain. It is also linked to sexual assault, as girls who are not fully in control of their bodies and minds make easier targets.
Depression and suicide: Depression and other mental issues tend to go hand-in-hand with teen alcohol abuse. Depression medication interacts negatively with alcohol, exacerbating the depression and stress already caused by teen alcohol abuse in the first place. This can lead to a desire to commit suicide. In fact, one study cited that 37 percent of females in eighth grade females who drank heavily reported having attempted suicide, compared with only 11 percent who did not drink.
