In my view, there is a big disconnect and huge difference when we talk about "underage" drinking between a 13-year-old "underage" drinker and a 19 or 20-year old "underage" drinker.
When discussing the topic of young teens using the "drug of choice" (alcohol is still used more often than tobacco or illicit drugs), my main concern is the consequences that they could face in using the drug. Namely, the almost immediate physical effects that alcohol has on decision-making and judgment skills is astonishing, and once the individual is impaired, it is difficult to CONVINCE them that they are impaired. (it is a vicious cycle: they can not be convinced that they are impaired, because the reasoning-part of their brain is impaired).
Honestly, if teens were having just one drink per month, we probably would not be having this conversation. Yes, alcohol is considered a poison to the body, but the problem is not the alcohol itself. Alcohol can be consumed in a responsible manner by individuals who are not dependent on alcohol. The problem that needs most discussion is in the MANNER in which teens drink alcohol. Teens do not drink as often as adults, but when they do drink, they drink in dangerously large amounts. On average, teens drink 5 drinks in one occasion (what is known as "binge" or "high risk" drinking). Drinking in high risk quantities leads to impairment in reasoning, judgment, decision-making skills, as well as fine and gross motor skills.
I worry about teens being impaired for many reasons, but primarily:
- They are new drivers
- They are new at dating
High risk alcohol use increases the risk of being in a sexual assault situation, both for the perpetrator and the victim/survivor. It is also a factor in poor decision-making, including unsafe sexual activity.
We all know the dangers of using alcohol while driving, or being a passenger in a car with a driver who has been drinking.
Did you know that by age 18, more than 70% of teens have had at least one drink?
If you would like more information, a great, easy-to-read, research-based and non-scare-tactic brochure is available free online:
A Guide to Action for Families (pdf file):
http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/
If you are concerned about your teen, please seek professional help. An online counselor may be a great option for you and your family.
Comment Reply
Thanks for bringing up this important topic!
In my view, there is a big disconnect and huge difference when we talk about "underage" drinking between a 13-year-old "underage" drinker and a 19 or 20-year old "underage" drinker.
When discussing the topic of young teens using the "drug of choice" (alcohol is still used more often than tobacco or illicit drugs), my main concern is the consequences that they could face in using the drug. Namely, the almost immediate physical effects that alcohol has on decision-making and judgment skills is astonishing, and once the individual is impaired, it is difficult to CONVINCE them that they are impaired. (it is a vicious cycle: they can not be convinced that they are impaired, because the reasoning-part of their brain is impaired).
Honestly, if teens were having just one drink per month, we probably would not be having this conversation. Yes, alcohol is considered a poison to the body, but the problem is not the alcohol itself. Alcohol can be consumed in a responsible manner by individuals who are not dependent on alcohol. The problem that needs most discussion is in the MANNER in which teens drink alcohol. Teens do not drink as often as adults, but when they do drink, they drink in dangerously large amounts. On average, teens drink 5 drinks in one occasion (what is known as "binge" or "high risk" drinking). Drinking in high risk quantities leads to impairment in reasoning, judgment, decision-making skills, as well as fine and gross motor skills.
I worry about teens being impaired for many reasons, but primarily:
- They are new drivers
- They are new at dating
High risk alcohol use increases the risk of being in a sexual assault situation, both for the perpetrator and the victim/survivor. It is also a factor in poor decision-making, including unsafe sexual activity.
We all know the dangers of using alcohol while driving, or being a passenger in a car with a driver who has been drinking.
Did you know that by age 18, more than 70% of teens have had at least one drink?
If you would like more information, a great, easy-to-read, research-based and non-scare-tactic brochure is available free online:
A Guide to Action for Families (pdf file):
http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/
If you are concerned about your teen, please seek professional help. An online counselor may be a great option for you and your family.
November 16, 2008 - 8:04pmThis Comment
Reply