Adolescent alcohol addiction

Drinking occasionally is usually considered normal, however, when left unchecked, it can soon result in alcohol abuse, and in case of teenagers, it can even turn fatal. The problem of alcoholism among adolescents can stem from various factors like peer pressure and portrayal of alcohol in the media, which romanticizes drinking but chooses not to portray the consequences. An adolescent who drinks excessively requires treatment and alcohol rehab at a certified teen alcohol rehab center so that alcoholism and its related health consequences do not become a part of adulthood

Adolescent alcohol addiction: Signs and symptoms

Some of the symptoms and signs of alcohol abuse among teens are changes in behavior, personal appearance, school habits, and more. Following are some of the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse:

Behavioral symptoms: Some of the behavioral signs and symptoms include changes in overall personality, excessive need for privacy, moodiness, irritability, nervousness, oversensitivity or resentful behavior.

Physical symptoms: Some of the physical symptoms include overall poor hygiene and unexplained weight loss or weight gain.

School-related troubles: Some of the school-related troubles faced by teens abusing alcohol include drop in grades, defiance toward authority, and loss of interest in schoolwork, school activities, hobbies or sports.

Relationship-related symptoms: Some of the relationship-related troubles faced by teens abusing alcohol include withdrawal from family members and disengagement from family activities.

Health-related indicators: Some the health-related symptoms of alcohol abuse among teens include depression, sweatiness, unusual sleep patterns, dilated pupils or bloodshot eyes, and unexplained nosebleeds, nausea and vomiting.

Adolescent alcohol abuse: Causes and effects

Teenage alcohol abuse can begin due to various reasons and most of these factors can be found within the home environment. Teens who develop drinking problems often have low levels of parental supervision or communication, family conflict, inconsistent or severe parental discipline, or a family history of drug or alcohol abuse. Other factors can be problem in managing impulses, emotional instability, thrill-seeking behavior, and lack of understanding of risks related to drinking.

Not just adults, even many teenagers in the United States are struggling with alcohol addiction. Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among teens (aged 12 to 17 years) in the U.S. Recognizing the signs of alcohol abuse in children may help check the problem before the worst consequences of addiction set in.

When younger people abuse addictive substances like alcohol, they are more likely to develop other complications as well. Alcohol addiction in teens raises the risk of car accidents, school dropout rate, suicide attempts, and illicit drug use.

Alcohol addiction is marked by a negative pattern of alcohol use, leading to a number of problems. Alcohol addiction can be divided into five main stages – access to alcohol, beginning to use alcohol, increased use, regular usage and alcohol dependence.