Why Do Teens Drink?

There isn’t enough conversation around teenage drinking and the serious effect that it can have. Parents often don’t know how to engage with their children over the realities around alcohol use. This can lead to a form of silent assent where both parties are happy to not discuss it until the problem grows out of control. At a teen drug rehab, we understand the difficulty experienced by both parents and young people around the subject. But, why do teens drink? Today we are taking a frank and honest look at the factors that contribute to alcohol use by minors.

Why Do Teens Drink?

It is dangerous to dismiss potential reasons why teenagers drink alcohol. Some parents who chalk it up to simple youthful rebellion or the desire to have fun may be deeply misunderstanding what is spurring the behavior.

For some, peer pressure is a factor in drinking for the first time. However, it is not always the reason why they continue drinking or develop a substance abuse problem. These deeper reasons can be much more complicated. When surveyed, the reasons stated by teenagers concerning why they drink to excess often contain the same answers as adults. They use as a way to cope with difficulties at home, work, or school. Also, to distract them from the pressures that they experience in social or family life.

Many say that they have difficulty socializing with others in a positive way without drinking to loosen their inhibitions. However, none of these are reasons why teenager becomes addicted to alcohol use as much as an inciting incident that can eventually lead them down that road and in need of an alcoholic treatment program.

Effects of Drinking on Teens

One of the most worrying aspects of parenting a teen is that they often think that they can’t be hurt. However, their bodies are not as fortified against the effects of alcohol consumption as adults.

Although the noticeable effects of alcohol consumption may include cosmetic changes like weight gain or skin problems. The bulk of the damage alcohol does to young people is in their brain development. Heavy drinking in the teen years impairs the parts of the brain that deal with some of the most important skills in life such as reasoning out problems, interpersonal interactions, and motivation to succeed. It can also lead to belligerent or risky behavior even when the teen isn’t drinking.

Alcoholism is also more likely to result from drinking at an early age and is the biggest risk factor next to a family history of addiction.

How To Talk To Your Teen About Drinking

Successfully talking to your teen about alcohol use is contingent on letting them know that it is coming from a place of concern for their wellbeing. This can be difficult if you are angry but it is essential.

Be open and honest about your own experiences and negative consequences. It is best to talk to them about it before you suspect that they’ve been drinking. If you do suspect you certainly should not delay the talk. Let them know that they can come to you at any time if they want to stop but cannot do it alone.

If anyone in your family needs help with drug and alcohol addiction, Beaches Recovery offers teen drug rehab services in the Jacksonville area. Give us a call at 866.605.0532 and schedule a consultation to get the support you need in this tough time and learn the answer to why do teens drink.