Every year, underage drinking contributes to the death of 5,000 people under the age of 21. Even in light of these statistics, teen alcohol abuse continues to be a problem. Underage drinking is illegal in the United States, and it often has severe consequences for the teens who take part in it. What can concerned parents and family do to help a teen who’s abusing alcohol?
Dangers of Teen Alcohol Abuse
A teenager’s brain is still developing, so drinking can negatively impair development. Drinking early in life may lead to alcohol dependence now and in the future. Other dangers connected to teen alcohol abuse include:
- Increased risk of violent behavior
- Risky behaviors such as driving while intoxicated
- Poor judgment that may lead to unprotected sex
- Higher chances of alcohol poisoning
- Increased risk of alcohol-related accidents
Just because teenagers can’t legally buy alcohol doesn’t prevent them from drinking. In many cases, teens find alcohol at home or get it from other family or friends who can purchase it.
Getting Help for Your Teen
The sooner you can get your teenager into a treatment program, the sooner you can decrease the risks that come with underage drinking. A quality treatment facility will work with your child and your family. Trained professionals can identify the causes that led to alcohol abuse.
Too often, however, it’s simply a matter of peer pressure that leads teens to drink. Good kids sometimes make bad decisions when they hang around the wrong crowd.
It’s very important to let your child know that the doors of communication are always open, especially if your teen wants to talk about difficult subjects. When children know their parents and other family members are actively involved in their lives, they feel supported. In this nurturing environment, they’re often more comfortable letting you know what’s going on.
If alcohol abuse is affecting your teen and your family, it’s time to seek treatment.
How Crestview Recovery Can Help with Teen Alcohol Abuse
Our addiction treatment facility is here to help anyone struggling with drug or alcohol dependency. At our center, our staff can design a program that meets your unique needs for rehab and recovery.
Our addiction therapy services include:
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- 12-step recovery
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Life skills rehab
Our location in the Pacific Northwest is ideal for clients from Seattle and Portland, as well as for anyone throughout Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and beyond. If you’re local, you’ll appreciate our proximity to loved ones, but if you prefer to get far away from a toxic environment, we give you the opportunity to do so.
Whether it’s you or a loved one who wants to overcome addiction, you can regain control of your life by partnering with a quality drug rehab. Crestview Recovery can get you on the road to recovery. Call us today at 866.262.0531.
