There is little doubt that drinking has long permeated the United States’ cultural landscape. Also, there is little doubt that the alcohol industry has long marketed its products to teenagers with little regard for their real dangers. There is also little doubt that the same predatory marketing is still going on because the same prevalence of teen drinking still exists today.

Of course, teen drinking cannot wholly be blamed on the alcohol industry. That industry is but one part of a larger problem. This problem includes the easy accessibility of alcohol for teens, the way alcohol is promoted and glorified in popular culture, and the continued lack of education and information on the dangers of teen drinking.

How Prevalent Is Teen Drinking?

When it comes to teen drinking, it appears that the statistics are trending worse rather than better. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “In 2021, five.9 million youth ages 12 to 20 reported drinking alcohol beyond “just a few sips” in the past month.” It should also be noted that this survey was conducted in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The numbers are anticipated to be higher now that increased social functioning is an option.

While that teen drinking statistic is staggering, it pales in comparison to a related statistic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Underage drinking is a significant public health problem in the U.S.,” and “excessive drinking is responsible for more than three,900 deaths and 225,000 years of potential life lost among people under age 21 each year.”

Taking that “potential life” factor into account, teen drinking is quite literally erasing a portion of the next generation out of existence. This is just one more reason to intervene in the life of a teen when a parent suspects underage drinking. The best way to do this is by being vigilant and being able to spot some of the warning signs.

What Are the Warning Signs of Teen Drinking?

While it may seem easy to spot underage drinking, it is often more difficult than many people think. This is because teens tend to be secretive and withholding when it comes to issues that they feel could disrupt their social lives.

However, the warning signs are certainly there if we know what to look for. The following are just a few examples of the “red flags” of teen drinking:

  • A teen may start exhibiting changes in their mood, including an increase in aggressive and/or irritable behaviors.
  • They may start to struggle academically.
  • A teen may start to push back against household rules and rebel against authority figures.
  • They may change their friend group rather suddenly.
  • A teen may start to exhibit slurred speech, a lack of coordination, and/or trouble concentrating.
  • They may smell like alcohol and/or have alcohol among their belongings.
  • A teen may lose interest in their appearance and/or how they are perceived by others.

How Can I Stop My Teen From Drinking Alcohol?

Once teen drinking is detected, the next step tends to be a little more difficult. That step is getting them to stop doing it. This is easier said than done. Often, teens feel pressured to engage in underage drinking by their peers. When they try to stop, they fear that they may be cast out of their friend group.

The best way to stop a teen from drinking alcohol is by having an open conversation about the consequences they could face from engaging in it. You can discuss the physical dangers that come from underage drinking. This can include a discussion of how their brains are not fully developed and are even more susceptible to harm.

It is also important to discuss the legal problems they could face, which could follow them beyond their teenage years. Lastly, it is critical to talk to teenagers about the dangers of alcohol addiction.

Clearview Horizon’s Focus On Addiction

One of the most prominent mental health issues in the U.S. is alcohol and substance use disorder (SUD). While many factors play a role in an individual developing SUD, one of them is the excessive use of alcohol at an early age.

There is a saying in the 12-Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that goes “You can turn a cucumber into a pickle, but you cannot turn a pickle back into a cucumber.” What this means is that while alcohol addiction can be treated, most agree that it cannot be fully reversed. However, that does not mean that a teen with SUD must live a life that’s any less fulfilling than that of their peers.

This is why at Clearview, we focus on treating alcohol addiction by giving our students a variety of tools and techniques. They can carry these tools out into the world after they leave residential recovery. Our focus is on long-term addiction recovery. We don’t simply treat the symptoms of alcohol. Instead, we treat the underlying issues of addiction. Teen drinking tries to rob our children of their futures. It is our mission at Clearview Horizon to rescue those futures and see how far they can go. In our experience, it’s as far as our students’ ambitions take them.

In today’s popular culture, it seems that alcohol use awareness is taking a back seat to other substance use awareness. However, alcohol use is still incredibly high among teenagers, and it is still incredibly dangerous and damaging. Even minimal alcohol misuse by teens can soon snowball into more serious territory. If you feel like your daughter is struggling with alcohol abuse or any other type of addiction, please know that you are not alone. We can help your daughter and your entire family get on the path to a positive long-term recovery. For more information on teen alcohol misuse, alcohol abuse, alcohol use disorder, and how it can best be treated, please call Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.