Underage Drinking: A Hidden Danger

Alcohol drinking among youth has decreased in the past years, but it continues to be a problem. Alcohol is the number one drug of choice and most abused among youth. It is a major cause for concern because, it not only affects the child who drinks, but also their families and society in general. Kids who drink are more likely to commit suicides, homicides, become victims of crimes, drive under the influence or drive with someone who is, engage in risky sex, become pregnant, and contract STDs. This is due to impaired judgment. Parents need to be aware of this problem so that they can prevent, recognize, and become involved.

Although the peak age to start drinking is 13-14 years old, kids have been known to drink as early as age nine. It usually starts by one child offering it to another; an older sibling or a member of a crowd where the child wants to fit in. Alcohol can also come from parent’s cabinets and unscrupulous store owners which want to make business. Some parents allow a drink thinking that it will do no harm; they reason that it is best for the child to it with them then in a crowd. Parents sometimes, also allow a toast at gatherings and even a drink with dinner.

Once they are offered the first drink, the tendency is to continue; they experiment to see if they are accepted, how much they can withstand, and sometimes out of boredom or to beat stress (or so they may think). It also makes them feel cool or that they can now fit in. Usually, kids don’t like the taste of alcohol, but they develop a taste for it to the point where they actually like it and miss it when they don’t have it. The longer they drink, the more they become experts at hiding it, especially from parents who are too busy to interact with their children. Some parents look the other way; it is the easier thing to do, particularly if they drink also.

Youth surveys reported that 13% of 12 year old kids, 39% of 14 year olds, and 70% of 15-16 year olds have had a drink. Many engage in binge drinking. They usually think that drinking is harmless; about 3 million young people surveyed didn’t know that someone can die from alcohol poisoning and that alcohol is addictive. Alcohol poisoning results from binge drinking and it is the most harmful type because, of its immediate effect. Binge drinking is the drinking of more than four alcoholic drinks for females or five for males in about two hours. Alcohol poisoning results from this type of drinking, its symptoms are violent vomiting (usually the first symptom), extreme sleepiness, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood sugar, seizures, and ultimately death if not given quick medical care. Kids diagnosed with alcohol abuse were four times more likely to experience major depression than those without an alcohol problem and 6% of 12-17 year olds who drank needed treatment. Alcohol can damage every organ in a child’s body including the developing brain. Those who drink by the age of 15 are five times more likely to have problems than those who started at age 21; they are also more likely to engage in the use of other drugs such as cocaine, acid, Ecstasy, crystal meth, etc.

Signs of alcohol use in kids are depression, anxiety, secrecy, and poor academic performance. Immediate signs can include slurred speech, difficulty expressing a thought clearly, lack of coordination, poor balance, inability to walk a straight line, failure to look at another person’s eyes, red eyes or flushed face, nausea, or odor of alcohol on breath or in sweat. Headaches, vomiting, weakness, thirst or sweatiness are signs of hangovers.

Risks for underage drinking includes teenage parties which usually focus on alcohol, older siblings that drink, or homes where alcohol is kept without keeping track. Kids, who suppress their feelings, are introverted and shy, who don’t perform well in school, have experienced psychological trauma, or sexual abuse are also at risk.

When there is the suspicion of underage drinking, it is important to look further into it and not ignore it. A child who drinks might have hidden bottles in their room, or empty or half empty juice bottles and cups. The child’s friends should also be looked into; do these friends have bad attitudes, are they supervised, are they rebellious…? Parents should confront the child and seek help when they suspect drinking; the child may deny it, but it is something that cannot be ignored.

Parents should know where their children are and with whom. They should expect for children to regularly check in when they are away from home and when home alone. Being involved in their activities is also essential.

Parents have a great influence on children even if they don’t think so. It is important to speak to children about the dangers of alcohol and hanging with the wrong crowd. Rules, such as not driving with anyone under the influence, are far-reaching. It is important to let children know how proud parents are of them.

Other important factors

• · When alcohol is consumed, it is absorbed by the stomach, enters the bloodstream and travels to all tissues

• · Alcohol affects coordination, memory and judgment

• · Drinking is not affected by financial status or social class

• · About 90% of drinkers seeking treatment will relapse. Proper treatment is extensive involving the family. Insurances sometimes don’t cover proper treatments

To seek help, contact:

Alateen

800-344-2666 • al-anon.alateen.org

National Youth Crisis Hotline

800-442-HOPE (4673) • 1800hithome.com