Teen Alcohol Abuse - Signs and Symptoms of Adolescent Alcohol Abuse

Adolescents who abuse alcohol tend to show abrupt changes in their mood and behavior. They may skip school or behave in a way that disrupts their classes. Their grades may suffer, too. If your child shows any of these signs, there are several treatment options available. Here are some of the most common forms of adolescent alcohol abuse. Read on to learn more. And, don't forget to discuss the effects of alcohol on the adolescent's mental health.

Signs of adolescent alcohol abuse

Mood swings and emotional red flags are common among teens who abuse alcohol. They may use alcohol to calm themselves down, deal with angry feelings, or self-soothe. Adolescent alcohol abuse can be dangerous, resulting in life-long problems. The following are the signs and symptoms of adolescent alcohol abuse. If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a medical professional for help.

Physically: The consumption of alcohol in young adolescents is more likely during times of high stress or when teens live with parents who use alcohol. They also have higher risks of developing a problem drinking when they are raised in homes with alcohol addiction. The signs of teen alcohol abuse include slurred speech and motor coordination problems. In addition, a child who drinks alcohol is likely to develop a high risk for sexual assault and accidents. Eventually, this young drinker may begin to develop alcohol dependence.

The first signs of adolescent alcohol use are those that occur after a night out with friends. Your child may behave strangely after a night out and maybe clumsy, sullen, or queasy. They may also stumble home and act queasy. Your child may have consumed alcohol or other drugs and is showing signs of withdrawal. To make sure your child is not drinking, check his/her cell phone. If you notice any of these signs, it is time to contact a medical professional for help.

Effects of teen alcohol abuse on adolescent's mental health

There have been a number of studies that have examined the effects of teen alcohol abuse on an adolescent's mental wellbeing. One study in the United States examined the relationship between alcohol consumption and self-harm in adolescents. Results indicated that 7% of adolescents who consumed four or more drinks a day were at risk for suicide. Another study found a correlation between alcohol abuse and perceived school performance among adolescents. However, further studies are necessary to understand the role of alcohol abuse and mental health in adolescence.

The adolescent brain develops rapidly and undergoes profound change. In the first decade, there are many changes in the neural systems of the brain. The frontal lobe is the first region of the brain to come online and undergo dramatic fine-tuning. Consequently, teenagers exhibit different reactions to alcohol and drugs than adults. A significant portion of adolescent brain plasticity is responsible for this development.

The present study was cross-sectional in design, enabling it to explore associations between teen alcohol use and mental health in adolescents. The participants were recruited from the general population of adolescents and were divided by gender and age groups. The authors also considered the association between alcohol abuse and attention problems among adolescents. It is possible that the effects of teen alcohol abuse may be even stronger than previously suspected.

Treatment options

There are several treatment options available for teens struggling with alcohol addiction. Teens may receive full-time residential care in a rehab facility or participate in outpatient treatment. Outpatient programs may combine group therapy with individual counseling. Some facilities will assess a child's mental health in addition to substance abuse. Peer support groups are particularly effective for adolescents. Treatment options may include pharmacotherapy. Teens who are struggling with alcohol addiction may benefit from dual diagnosis care.

One-on-one counseling sessions may also help teens stay active in recovery. Substance abuse counselors are usually recovered addicts and can encourage positive lifestyle changes that will distance them from their old habits. In addition to promoting sobriety, therapists can help teens develop healthy behaviors and distance themselves from bad habits. Treatment options for teen alcohol abuse may involve counseling, family therapy, and/or medication. A combination of methods may be most effective.

The first step in the treatment process for alcohol and drug abuse is to assess the extent of a teen's problem. An evaluation by a trained professional will reveal how serious their alcohol addiction is, how long they've been using the substances, and what the most effective treatment option may be. Usually, treatment is a combination of therapy and individual or group therapy sessions. If a teen is suffering from co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety, he or she will likely benefit from dual-diagnosis treatment. This treatment focuses on treating both disorders simultaneously.