While it may not be the most discussed substance affecting youth in the United States, alcohol remains the most abused substance among adolescents. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “Research shows that people who start drinking before the age of 15 are at a higher risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life. For example, adults ages 26 and older who began drinking before age 15 are 3.5 times more likely to report having AUD in the past year than those who waited until age 21 or later to begin drinking.” 

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Although it is under-discussed when compared to other substance abuse issues, AUD is a much bigger problem than many people may think. According to the NIAAA, “It is estimated that more than 140,000 people (approximately 97,000 men and 43,000 women) die from alcohol-related causes annually, making alcohol the fourth-leading preventable cause of death in the United States behind tobacco, poor diet, and physical inactivity, and illegal drugs.”

Also, AUD doesn’t just affect those who engage in recurrent alcohol use. Rather, AUD spills out into all other aspects of an individual’s life. For example, for adults, AUD can cause joblessness, relationship problems, and issues of domestic violence. Furthermore, for adolescents, AUD can cause issues with school, issues at home, and even inform developmental impairments. It is also true that AUD among adolescents is also much more prevalent than many people may realize.

The Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder Among Adolescents

A 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) recently reported that “29.5 million people ages 12 and older (10.6% in this age group) had AUD in the past year.” This also “includes 16.6 million males ages 12 and older (12.1% in this age group),” and “13.0 million females ages 12 and older (9.1% in this age group).” 

Now, while these statistics are alarming, they can serve as a wake-up call for adults (and parents) to be more vigilant regarding adolescent alcohol use and AUD. Initially, the best way to be vigilant is to be aware of some of the warning signs of underage alcohol use, alcohol abuse, and AUD.

The Warning Signs of Underage Alcohol Abuse

Being able to spot some of the warning signs of underage drinking early can be the key to intervening before AUD develops. An adolescent may exhibit the following warning signs as a result of underage alcohol abuse:

  • Exhibiting academic issues
  • Withdrawing from activities once enjoyed
  • Experiencing a sudden change in friend groups
  • Exhibiting unusual changes in sleep patterns, particularly sleeping more than normal
  • Smelling like alcohol; on their breath, skin, and/or clothing
  • Exhibiting unexpected mood swings
  • Presenting physical issues without a definable cause, such as gastrointestinal problems, persistent headaches, and sore joints and muscles

If these signs start to present themselves, it is important not to minimize them as simply “kids being kids.” Acting quickly and early can greatly decrease the chances of AUD developing over time.

The Importance of Treating Alcohol Use Disorder ASAP

It is important to intervene in underage drinking as soon as it is detected. According to the NIAAA, “Screening youth for alcohol use and AUD is very important and may prevent problems down the road. Screening by a primary care provider or other health practitioner (e.g., pediatrician) provides an opportunity to identify problems early and address them before they escalate. It also allows adolescents to ask questions of a knowledgeable adult.”

However, sometimes prevention doesn’t always happen. In this case, intervention and treatment must be utilized for recovery. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat adolescent AUD. The most effective treatment options include community and 12-Step programs, intensive and general outpatient programs, and residential treatment programs.

Depending on the stage of the addiction, a combination of treatment options is typically optimal. For example, an individual may require a medically supervised detox, followed by a stay in a residential recovery center. Now, depending on the individual, they may require outpatient care after their residential stay, or they may skip outpatient care and become more directly involved in a 12-Step program. Ultimately, the key is to create a recovery plan that is individualized and comprehensive to the individual’s needs.

The Addiction Recovery Mission at Clearview

AUD continues to be a serious and deadly problem among adolescents in the U.S. While this can be discouraging, it can also be the message that we, as responsible adults, need to hear. 

Here at Clearview, we understand – as parents ourselves – the dangers that AUD poses to our kids. Now, while we wish these dangers could be wholly averted by eliminating underage drinking, we know this is unrealistic. That is why we have made it our primary purpose to help our students struggling with AUD get out from under the darkness of addiction and out into the light of long-term recovery.

Though legalized marijuana and the fentanyl crisis tend to take up most of the media attention as of late, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is still the most prominent substance addiction among the adolescent population. Alcohol is relatively cheap, easily attainable, and its use is often socially promoted by celebrities. This makes a powerful combination that is hard for young people to fight back against. If you think that your daughter may be misusing alcohol or struggling with AUD, you are not alone. We can help your entire family get on the road to recovery. For more information on the dangers of AUD, as well as some effective treatment options, please reach out to Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.