Make a Difference: Talk to Your Child About Alcohol Parents National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA

how to deal with teenage alcoholism

When alcohol does become an issue, and at some point it likely will, make sure they have the tools to make the right decisions. Working together, you and your child can stop teenage drinking. Looking for a stronger way to stop underage drinking? While keeping in mind our earlier advice to encourage open and safe conversations, you should still establish clear rules and boundaries about alcohol and underage drinking in your home.

how to deal with teenage alcoholism

Care options

That means they have a tendency to get drunk quicker and stay drunk longer than older drinkers. While parenting an adolescent is rarely easy, it’s important to remember that you can still have a major impact on the choices your child makes, especially during their preteen and early teen years. Many young adults have greater freedom and independence, and they take on more responsibility as they enter the next chapter of their lives. During this time, young adults may have an increased vulnerability for alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder.

Setting Healthy Boundaries in Relationships

how to deal with teenage alcoholism

The risk of family violence increases with alcohol use. If the drunk teen becomes threatening Substance Abuse In College Students or violent to people or property, call the police immediately. Young people can appear very drunk after consuming relatively small amounts of alcohol because they have a very low tolerance for this drug. However, if the teen has drunk more alcohol than their body can handle, they may be at risk of alcohol poisoning.

how to deal with teenage alcoholism

We are unable to switch you to this area of care

You can help your loved one find ways to distract themselves when cravings hit—by calling someone, going for a walk, or riding out the urge, for example—but ultimately only they are responsible for their sobriety. All you can do is encourage the person to recommit to overcoming their drinking problem and support them as they try again. When I get calls like this, I hear the concern and love these parents have for their children, wanting to protect them from any harm which may occur while their teen is under the influence of drugs and alcohol. I also hear the anger and frustration at the fact that their child is possibly disobeying their rules about underage drinking. There is also uncertainty on how to deal with this, as the parent does not know for sure what happened the night before. If you’re a child or teen and are worried about your own or a friend’s drinking, it’s important to reach out to an adult you trust.

  • You need help right now and several organizations are ready to lend a hand.
  • When I get calls like this, I hear the concern and love these parents have for their children, wanting to protect them from any harm which may occur while their teen is under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
  • When someone drinks frequently, their body becomes dependent on alcohol.
  • See if your teen will talk to a doctor if they won’t talk to you.

Calling the police is also advised if another person present becomes violent toward the child, even if that person is the other parent. This kind of situation can quickly escalate, making it important to diffuse it as fast as possible. Clinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

how to deal with teenage alcoholism

Shopping Cart