Teen drinking is often viewed is a normal behavior commonly associated with natural youthful rebellion.
However, recent studies have revealed that it can actually have very serious long-term health effects.
It leads to a higher risk of alcoholism in adulthood, and it's also associated with depression and higher rates of addiction to other drugs.
In this light, it's important that we begin to take this issue seriously.
By detecting and seeking treatment for teen drinking as early as possible, we can help make sure that our children grow up to be healthy adults.
Teen Drinking Facts The statistics are startling: A recent study found that, among kids who habitually drink alcohol by the age of 14, there is a 50/50 chance of having alcoholism at some point during adulthood.
In contrast, among people who don't begin drinking until they're 21 years old, only 9% develop alcoholism at some point in their lives.
In other words, the earlier a person begins drinking, the more likely they are to become alcoholics as adults.
Furthermore, people who have serious teen drinking problems are more likely to abuse drugs and to smoke cigarettes.
This can lead to a lifelong pattern of addiction and substance abuse that can damage one's quality of life and prevent the individual from ever being happy and healthy.
Given that alcoholism is often associated with depression and other mental illnesses, this does not bode well for the teen drinker.
Teen Drinking Treatment All of this just highlights the need for improved enforcement of drinking ages and expanded awareness of the dangers of teen drinking.
However, since kids are usually quite capable of obtaining alcohol and other forbidden substances, it's important for adults to keep an eye on their teens.
The biggest sign that your teen may have a problem is if he or she continues to drink even after being caught multiple times.
One or two incidents can be seen as perfectly normal rebellion, but more than that may signal a dangerous predisposition to addiction and alcoholism.
There are plenty of high-quality treatment options for teens who drink.
In serious cases, rehab may be necessary, whether through inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Meanwhile, it's important to get to the bottom of an individual's teen drinking through therapy and support groups.
Catching and treating this problem early can be the biggest favor you ever do for your teen.