Alcoholism In Adolescents
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Of all the alcohol consumed in the United States, teens between the ages of 12 and 20 years old are responsible for consuming 11% of it, according to the National Institute On Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism. Problematically, alcoholism in adults is difficult to catch because they drink less often than adults.
However, during their drinking episodes, they tend to binge drink. This phrase means drinking enough alcohol to increase blood alcohol content by 0.08 grams percent or more. The situation might start as a few experimental drinks with friends when parents are out of the house. However, it can turn into secret parties. Then, they may begin routinely drinking at school, consuming alcohol by the bottle, rather than the sip. If this occurs, it's critical to seek an adolescent alcohol use treatment program.
Side Effects Of Alcoholism in Adolescents
According to the Centers For Disease Control's data from 2006-2010 highlights, over 4,000 deaths each year are related to the use of alcohol by teenagers under the age of 21. Alcohol had a profound effect on critical functions of the mind which impair an adolescent's abilities, including:- Judgment
- Preventing the risk of sexual assault
- Motor function
- Cognitive function
- Decision making
- Short term and long term memory and/or brain damage
- Damage to the function of your liver, kidneys, and other organs
Developmental impairment
In addition, increased alcohol use in adolescence often leads to developing problems later in life, which can include fully developed alcoholism, drug use, depression, or permanent brain damage. Alcohol use is also known to damage the heart, weaken the immune system, and cause internal stress, all of which can lead to an increased risk of developing cancer or other diseases.Understanding Alcoholism in Adolescent
Adolescence is a vulnerable time of development, both physically and emotionally. The adolescent child is growing in their muscles, most specifically their brains. In addition, they are susceptible to peer pressure, sensitive to behaviors of parents, and struggling to create an identity of self. As a result, it is easy for an adolescent to find relief or acceptance with alcohol use.Signs Of Alcoholism in Adolescents
- Significant change in mood or typical temperament
- Sudden drop in academic performance
- Reports of behavioral problems in school and extracurricular activities
- Shift in social circles and social relations
- Change in appearance and hygiene
- Caught in multiple lies
- Slurred speech
- Stumbling
- Erratic behavior
- Hypersensitivity
- Extreme emotions
- Smell of alcohol
- Hangovers
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Memory loss
When To Seek Treatment
If you see the signs of alcoholism in adolescents, it's critical to seek treatment at an adolescent treatment center. There, your loved one can get the care and support they need. For instance, at Stonewater, we offer a wide range of therapies that we tailor to each individual's unique needs. In short, we use our holistic and evidence-based therapies to help them recover. Evidence-based therapy is a treatment method that experts in substance use treatment have studied extensively. Furthermore, they have thoroughly tested them to ensure that our team can effectively use them to treat substance use. Consequently, these methods are some of our most common treatment modalities. Your adolescent's treatment plan may include:- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Fly fishing therapy program
- Yoga therapy program
- Art therapy program
- Music therapy program
- Equine therapy program
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