Alcohol - Rrules

Alcohol

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From Rrules

1 Teens and Alcohol
2 Why do Teens try Alcohol?
- 2.1 Teenagers at risk for developing serious alcohol problems include those:
3 How Alcohol affects you
4 How do I know if my teen is abusing alcohol
5 Set a Good Example
6 Bibliography
7 Related Pages
8 External Helpful Sites
9 Outline Sequence

[edit] Teens and Alcohol

Experimentation with alcohol among teenagers is not uncommon.

But did you know…

* The average age when youth first try alcohol is 11 years for boys and 13 years for girls… when the legal age in the US is 21 years.

* The three leading causes of death for 15- to 24-year-olds are automobile crashes, homicides and suicides - alcohol is a leading factor in all three.

* According to research by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, adolescents who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21.

[edit] Why do Teens try Alcohol?

Teens usually decide to try alcohol as an effort to fit in or their inability to say “no”. Curiosity is another leading reason why teens venture into alcohol (but don’t forget what curiosity did to the cat!!!) Teens may also use alcohol to feel good, reduce stress and relax or to feel older.

2	I think teens try alcohol because they are trying to fit in

2	I think teens try alcohol because of peer pressure

2	I think teens try alcohol because they are curious

[edit] Teenagers at risk for developing serious alcohol problems include those:

* with a family history of substance abuse

* who are depressed

* who have low self-esteem, and

* who feel like they don't fit in or are out of the mainstream

Reference: Find out here the who and why of relation between teens and alcohol. {1} {2}

[edit] How Alcohol affects you

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows the function of the central nervous system. Alcohol actually blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain. This alters a person's perceptions, emotions, movement, vision, and hearing. People who have overused alcohol may stagger, lose their coordination, and slur their speech. They will probably be confused and disoriented. When large amounts of alcohol are consumed in a short period of time, alcohol poisoning can result.

Alcohol affects your brain. Drinking alcohol leads to a loss of coordination, poor judgment, slowed reflexes, distorted vision, memory lapses, and even blackouts.

Alcohol affects your body. Alcohol can damage every organ in your body. It is absorbed directly into your bloodstream and can increase your risk for a variety of life-threatening diseases, including cancer.

Alcohol affects your self-control. Alcohol depresses your central nervous system, lowers your inhibitions, and impairs your judgment. Drinking can lead to risky behaviors, such as driving when you shouldn’t, or having unprotected sex.

Alcohol can kill you. Drinking large amounts of alcohol at one time or very rapidly can cause alcohol poisoning, which can lead to coma or even death. Driving and drinking also can be deadly.

Alcohol can hurt you - even if you're not the one drinking. If you're around people who are drinking, you have an increased risk of being seriously injured, involved in car crashes, or affected by violence. At the very least, you may have to deal with people who are sick, out of control, or unable to take care of themselves.

Reference: More Info on Negative effects of Alcohol {3} {4}

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[edit] How do I know if my teen is abusing alcohol

* The odor of alcohol on breath or clothes

* Sudden change in mood or attitude

* Problems with coordination

* Falling grades

* Deterioration in relationship with the family

* Loss of interest in school, sports, or other activities

* Secrecy

* Association with a new group of friends and reluctance to introduce them to you

* Alcohol disappearing from your home

Some of these signs could also point towards the abuse of drugs

Reference: These sites provide invaluable help in your fight against alcohol abuse {5} {6}

[2]

[edit] Set a Good Example

Parents are important role models for their teenagers

*Use alcohol moderately

*Don't communicate to your child that alcohol is a good way to handle problems. For example, don't come home from work and say, "I had a rotten day. I need a drink."

*Instead, let your child see that you have other, healthier ways to cope with stress, such as exercise; listening to music; or talking things over with your spouse, partner, or friend.

*Don't tell your kids stories about your own drinking in a way that conveys the message that alcohol use is funny or glamorous.

*Never drink and drive or ride in a car with a driver who has been drinking.

*When you entertain other adults, make available alcohol-free beverages and plenty of food.

*Don't Support Teen Drinking. Your attitudes and behavior toward teen drinking also influence your child. Avoid making jokes about underage drinking or drunkenness, or otherwise showing acceptance of teen alcohol use.

Tip: This link gives some good tips about how to prevent your teen from developing an alcohol problem Preventing Alcohol Problem

Tip: You could look at this link if your teen has a serious drinking problem Dealing with Alcoholism