4/16/01

Underage Drinking is A Leading Cause of Death and Injury Among Teenagers

Oftentimes, when we talk with young people about avoiding drugs, we focus on street drugs and neglect the number one drug of choice among teenagers – alcohol. Because it is legal to purchase and use alcohol for people over 21, and because it is such an accepted part of our culture, we seldom think of alcohol as the physically and psychologically addictive, mind-altering drug it really is. Since the month of April is alcohol awareness month, this is a perfect time to discuss the dangers of drinking with adolescents.

As we know, the teenage years are recognized as a time for trying new things. In their attempts to satisfy their curiosity, to be more grown up, to reduce stress and feel good, and to fit in with their peers, young people often try alcohol before any other drug. Recently, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism began an initiative to prevent underage drinking, because children are pressured at younger and younger ages than ever before to experiment with drugs. Statistics reveal that 1 out of 5 fifth graders have already been drunk. By the time they are seniors in high school, 80% of the students report they have used alcohol. In fact, 3 million children between the ages of 14 and 17 are regular drinkers who already have a confirmed alcohol problem; more than 100,000 12-13 year olds binge drink every month. And 40 % of the children who begin to drink alcohol before the age of 15 will become alcoholics later on in their lives.

Alcohol is a drug that acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. It travels directly into the bloodstream from the stomach, affecting every system in the body. As a result, there can be damage to the brain and the liver, vision, speech, and hearing can be impaired, motor skills are affected, coordination is reduced, reflexes are slowed, and there may be memory lapses and even blackouts. Self-control is affected, as alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, leading to risky behavior such as committing crimes, using violence, engaging in unsafe and unprotected sex, and driving drunk.

Parents should learn to recognize signs of teenage substance abuse. Physical symptoms include fatigue, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes, and a persistent cough. Emotional indicators include a personality change, sudden mood swings, low self-esteem, irritability, depression, exercising poor judgment, and general disinterest in the surrounding world. Teenagers with a drinking problem often start arguments, break rules, withdraw from their families and former friends, and lose interest in school and activities they used to enjoy. Their grades begin to drop, they experience more absences, begin to skip school, and develop discipline problems. While all teenagers are susceptible to the temptation to drink, some are more at risk than others. Young people who are depressed, who have low self-esteem, who feel like they do not fit in, or have families with a history of substance abuse are especially vulnerable to experimenting with alcohol and developing a drinking problem.

As is usually the case, preventing an alcohol problem is preferable to treating one. Parents can take a number of measures to reduce the likelihood that their child will drink:

n Be a positive role model; don’t drink in unsafe conditions,

do not use alcohol as a way to deal with problems, and

make sure your children understand that getting drunk is

not funny, acceptable, or normal.

n Limit your own intake of alcohol.

n Know who your child’s friends are, and get to know them.

n Listen to what your child says, be supportive during diffi-

cult times, and communicate openly with your child.

n Build your child’s self-esteem and confidence so he or

she will be better able to resist outside pressures to drink.

n Provide parental supervision for your child’s activities;

do not allow him or her to attend parties where alcohol

is served or where there is no parent present.

n Be sure your children know it is okay to call home for a ride

if they or their friends do drink. Make certain your child

knows there will be no consequences that night, and not

to ride with a driver who has been drinking. The incident

can be discussed the next day.

n Discourage your child from wearing clothing that promotes

alcoholic products. Monitor TV shows and movies so

that your child does not watch programs that glamorize

drinking alcohol.

Before the month of April is over this year, talk with your children about alcohol and the dangers associated with drinking. Let them know alcohol is one of the leading causes of death and injury among teenagers. For tips on how to begin a dialogue about drinking with your children, call 1-800-729-6686. For additional information about underage drinking, teenage alcoholism, binge drinking, or helping a friend with a drinking problem, contact the Central Connecticut Health District at 721-2822.