The holidays are a time of year that many people associate with drinking, but sobriety is possible. Sobriety can be difficult during the holidays because there are many social events and temptations to drink, but it's possible to stay sober with the proper support and tools. There are ways to manage your soberness around this time of year while still enjoying the season!

Alcohol Abuse in Teens and Adolescents

Many people don't know that alcohol abuse in teens and adolescents has become a pandemic. It's not just the adults who drink on average more than eighteen drinks per week or four drinks per day.

The issue of teen and adolescent alcohol addiction is increasing at a fast pace, with some high school seniors reporting that they binge drink. This can have a negative influence on their mental health, physical well-being, and social life. If left unfixed, adolescent alcohol abuse may have long-term consequences for children into adulthood. Teens must be educated about the dangers of underage drinking and addiction.

The Dangers of Alcoholism

Many dangers are associated with alcoholism, which is a serious disease that requires treatment. Alcohol abuse has many adverse effects on the body and mind. It can lead to medical conditions such as heart disease, liver cirrhosis, cancer, depression, memory loss, and other mental health issues. Alcoholism also creates many problems for relationships with family members or friends because it becomes an addiction that is hard to overcome without help from a professional.

Some of the risks of alcohol abuse in teens and adults include:

• Liver damage or cirrhosis
• Pancreatitis
• Ulcers
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Cancer, including mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast cancer
• Memory loss
• Depression or anxiety disorder

Sobriety is Possible!

Sobriety is possible for teens and adolescents. It can be challenging to stay sober during the holiday season, but many strategies can help. Some tips for staying sober during the holidays include avoiding situations where you might drink, having support from friends or family members, and utilizing resources such as Alcoholics Anonymous or other 12-step programs. It's important to remember that sobriety is possible and that there are people who can help you stay on track.

So how can you stay sober during the holiday season? Here are some tips:

• Find a reason to say "no" - if you have a good enough excuse, then it's easier for friends and family members to understand why you're not drinking.
• Participate in non-drinking holiday festivities such as caroling, baking cookies with Grandma, or volunteering at your local soup kitchen.
• Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated.
• Avoid situations where there will be drinking or have a plan in place for how you will handle these situations.
• If you find yourself in a situation where you feel like you might drink, leave right away and go to a place where you know you won't be tempted.
• Have a support system in place - talk to your friends and family about your sobriety and ask them for help when needed.
• Seek professional help if you feel like you're struggling to stay sober during the holiday season. Many resources are available, such as AA, Al-Anon, and Narcotics Anonymous.

The holidays can be a challenging time for those trying to stay sober, but it's definitely possible. With a little bit of planning and support from your friends and family, you can make it through the season without any significant problems. If you find that you're struggling, don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help. There are resources available, both on and offline, that can provide you with the support and encouragement you need!

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Sources:

https://www.samhsa.gov
https://www.smartrecovery.org/teens/
https://rosecrance.org/addiction-treatment/teens/
https://www.adolescenthealth.org/Resources/Clinical-Care-Resources/Substance-Use/Substance-Use-Resources-For-Adolesc.aspx
https://www.recovery.org/demographics-recovery/teens/
https://www.advancedrecoverysystems.com/resources/parents-guide/

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