Young adult alcohol consumption has become increasingly prevalent in today’s youth culture. Despite the legal drinking age being 21 in the United States, many young men and women continue to consume alcohol underage. Unfortunately, with alcohol consumption comes binge drinking and alcoholism. As the social landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to understand the consequences of these behaviors and work toward creating a healthy and informed future for our children.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately 4.2 million young people between the ages of 12 and 20 reported binge drinking in the past month. Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more alcoholic drinks for males or four or more for females within a two-hour period. This behavior not only puts teens at risk for alcohol-related injuries and health issues; but also, it sets the stage for potential addiction. With the prevalence of social media “trends” that encourage drinking games and glorify being “lit,” the number of youths engaging in binge drinking is rising.
Teen alcoholism is a serious concern for young adults as well, since it can have long-lasting effects on the developing brain. Adolescents who engage in regular binge drinking are more likely to develop alcohol use disorders later in life. Research by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that 4.5% of adolescents aged 12-17 reported having a substance use disorder in 2019.
Alcohol abuse during adolescence can lead to a variety of short-term and long-term consequences, including:
There are several factors that contribute to binge drinking and alcoholism among young adults, including:
To address teen binge drinking and alcoholism, it is important for parents to take a proactive approach. Cultivating an environment of open communication and trust is essential in preventing alcohol abuse and encouraging your child to seek treatment should the problem arise. Informing teens about the risks of alcohol abuse can help them make informed decisions about their own alcohol consumption. Talk with your son or daughter about their alcohol use, establish clear expectations, and provide support for healthy decision-making. Keep an eye on the social circles your kid is involved with. Voice your concern if you feel they are hanging with the wrong crowd but don’t be condescending. Come from a place of love and acceptance while explaining your concern for their health and long-term success. Finally, should the need arise, ensure your teen has access to treatment and support services should they need it. Treatment doesn’t have to be a reactive measure. If you think your son or daughter could be on the cusp of an alcohol use disorder, therapy and intensive outpatient programs can be great proactive steps to take.
Teen binge drinking, alcoholism, and the consequences of alcohol abuse are significant issues that warrant attention from parents. By understanding the risks, promoting prevention strategies, and providing support, you can help reduce the prevalence of alcohol abuse among teens and protect their well-being. As a parent, we all want the best for our kids and it can be difficult to see them struggle. If you feel there is something happening beyond your control, reach out to Momentum Recovery for help. We can help guide you through this difficult time and know what steps to take and when. You and your child are not alone.