Teen Alcohol Abuse
September 13th 2007 04:00 pm
A person who reaches the age of 21 without ever having indulged in alcohol abuse is statistically proven to be far more likely to never succumb to the temptation. So how does a parent guide their youngster through the delicate, peer pressure-driven teen years on a course of sobriety?
First of all, parents may want to exercise some control over their teens’ peer group. The actions of friends have a significant effect on the teens’ actions. As far as parental actions are concerned, two things have been shown to be related to higher levels of drinking among adolescents. Those two things are: lack of support, monitoring and communication; and overly harsh and inconsistent discipline or hostility directed toward children. These are both significant predictors of alcohol-related problems among adolescents.
If it is too late to prevent a teen alcohol abuse problem, help may be sought through a variety of avenues. A drug rehab can offer tips on healthy ways to successfully fight alcoholic tendencies, as well as support throughout that journey. There are also support groups for parents of alcoholic teenagers.
A medical professional may also help assess any bodily harm done by heavy drinking thus far, and offer tips on how to transition into a healthier lifestyle and better behavior patterns. Therapists and psychologists may also be consulted for family therapy, group therapy or individual counseling. This can help work through a host of family and personal issues that may have contributed to the alcoholism.
