While it’s a challenging situation to navigate, your support and guidance can make a significant difference in helping your teen learn from their mistakes and move forward toward a positive and responsible future. This blog aims to provide you with insights and strategies to assist your teen after a DUI.

Keep Open and Honest Communication

The first step in helping your teen after a DUI is to establish open and honest communication. While emotions might run high, creating a safe space for your teenager to express themselves is crucial. Listen without judgment, and encourage them to share their thoughts, feelings, and any concerns they may have.

At the same time, it’s important to establish appropriate boundaries while offering support. Discuss the implications of their actions and the changes that need to be made moving forward. This might involve establishing curfews, limiting privileges, or implementing stricter rules around alcohol consumption.

Address Feelings of Guilt and Shame

Teens often experience intense feelings of guilt and shame after a DUI incident. They may be overwhelmed by their actions and worry about how others perceive them. It’s important to reassure your teen that while their choices were wrong, their worth as a person remains intact. Help them understand that mistakes happen, and they have the opportunity to learn and grow from this experience.

If your teen is struggling to cope with the emotional aftermath of a DUI, consider seeking professional support. A therapist or counselor experienced in working with adolescents can help your teen process their emotions, develop coping strategies, and work toward healing.

Educate Them on the Consequences

It’s important for your teenager to fully grasp the consequences of their actions. Discuss the potential legal repercussions of a DUI, including fines, license suspension, and legal fees. Additionally, educate them about the dangers of impaired driving and its potential impact on their safety and the safety of others on the road.

If your teen is facing legal consequences as a result of the DUI incident, seek legal guidance from an attorney experienced in DUI cases. A legal professional can provide advice, guide you through the legal process, and ensure that your teen’s rights are protected.

Encourage Responsibility

Help your teen take responsibility for their actions. Encourage them to understand the consequences of their choices and to work towards making amends. This might involve taking steps to rectify any harm caused and participating in community service or educational programs related to the dangers of impaired driving.

As a parent, your behavior serves as a role model for your teenager. Demonstrate responsible and safe choices, including avoiding alcohol if you’re going to drive. Emphasize the importance of making responsible decisions and prioritizing the safety of themselves and others.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Acknowledge and celebrate positive behavior changes. When your teen demonstrates responsible decision-making, it’s essential to provide positive reinforcement. Praise their efforts and let them know you’re proud of their commitment to making better choices.

You can also use this experience as an opportunity to promote skill development and personal growth. Encourage your teen to engage in activities that build their self-esteem, self-discipline, and decision-making skills. This could involve hobbies, sports, volunteer work, or academic pursuits.

Celebrate Progress

Recovery after a DUI is a long journey, and small steps of progress should be acknowledged and celebrated. Whether it’s doing community service, attending an educational program, or consistently making safer choices, recognize and applaud their efforts.

Helping your teen after a DUI involves a combination of open communication, education, professional support, and setting appropriate boundaries. While the situation may be challenging, it also presents an opportunity for growth and learning. By offering understanding, guidance, and a supportive environment, you can help your teen move forward on a path toward responsibility, personal development, and a brighter future.

Also read:

Teenage Drinking and Substance Use

Signs Your Teens is Drinking

The post How to Help Your Teen After a DUI first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Alcohol poisoning, car crashes, homicides, and suicides are among the increased risks teens face when they’ve been drinking.  Most teens experiment with alcohol, although parents might want to believe their teen would never drink, it’s more likely they will at least try it once. It’s important that you have conversations with your teenager about the dangers of underage drinking as well as the risks of addiction.

Underage drinking is a significant public health problem. In recent years, researchers found that among high school students:

• Nearly 1 in 3 drink alcohol.
• Almost 1 in 5 have ridden in a car with a driver who has been drinking alcohol.
• One in 20 have driven after drinking alcohol.

A teenager’s decision to drink is typically linked to the following factors:

– Peer pressure. Everyone is doing it! This is where your conversations with your teen are helpful, you can discuss strategies about how to handle peer pressure.

How to help teens handle peer pressure:

“I’ve tried it, I don’t like it much.”
“If I get caught my parents will remove my phone.”
“I’m grounded if I’m caught.”
“I have a lot of homework.”

– Stress and anxiety. Since 2020 teen stress, anxiety and depression has doubled. Young people are finding escapes — self-medicating is one of them. Academic stress is another concern they carry, as well as stress over puberty or popularity.

-Trauma. Transitions that are happening (usually beyond their control) that a teen isn’t mature enough yet — emotionally — to handle on their own. Such as, a parent’s divorce, moving to a new school, breaking up with a significant other or close friend, a death in the family or close friend.

It’s normal for you to feel upset, angry, and worried if you discovered your teen is drinking. Using alcohol at a young age can impact how a teen’s brain develops, disrupts their sleep patterns, delay puberty, make it harder to concentrate at school — and can put their overall health at risk. Underage drinking can have serious implications that may not show up until later in life — so it’s imperative that you address the problem immediately.

3 Tips for Talking to Your Teen About Underage Drinking

1. Have a conversation, don’t lecture.  Talking to your teen about underage drinking should be at a time when your teen hasn’t been drinking. You should both be calm and focused, as well as device free.

Your teen wants to feel understood and heard, so even if you don’t like or agree with what they are saying, it’s important to listen withhold criticism. They may believe it’s okay to have a beer at a keg party, but you must remain calm until they are done talking and then explain the reasons why this not okay. Which will likely end in them not being allowed to attend that party – or parties with alcohol.

2. Discuss the reasons not to drink. Most teenagers believe they are invincible, so explaining the long-term health dangers of underage drinking will likely not dissuade them from drinking. Instead, talk to your teen about the effects drinking can have on their appearance—bad breath, bad skin, and weight gain from all the empty calories and carbs. You can also talk about how drinking makes people do embarrassing things, like peeing themselves or throwing up.

In today’s digital world it comes back to their online reputation. If they are applying to colleges, never doubt it will have an impact on their admissions, especially if they are seeking scholarships in sports or academics. Research has shown the majority of college admissions will scour social media feeds for those digital embarrassing moments, and will remove candidates from their lists. Your teen may not take the picture, but you never know who at the party is taking pictures and posting them online.

3. Drunk driving — kills.  It’s a message that can’t be emphasized enough. If your teen decides to go out and have a drink — it’s a mistake that can be rectified. If they drink and then drive or get into a vehicle driven by someone else who’s been drinking, that mistake could be a fatal one—for them or someone else. Be sure they always have an alternative means of getting home, whether that’s a taxi, a ride share service, or calling you to pick them up.

It’s never easy talking about tough topics, but it must be an ongoing conversation. Things can change quickly in a teenager’s life, so always keep making time to talk about what going on with them — both offline and online. Ask questions and keep setting a good example for responsible alcohol use.

Read: Signs Your Teen Is Drinking

Read: Are Therapeutic Boarding Schools Effective?

Read: 5 Benefit of Therapeutic Boarding Schools

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Is your teen drinking? Have you exhausted your local resources? Contact us for a free consultation to learn about how therapeutic boarding could help your teen and family.

The post Teen Alcohol Use and Underage Drinking first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Alcohol use and abuse in teens is every parent’s fear. While fear for this lives in every parent, prevention of this isn’t always attainable. According to The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in 2019 alone, 7 million people, ages 12 to 20, reported that they drank alcohol beyond “just a few sips” in the past month. In fact, binge drinking is more common in underage drinkers. The NIAAA reported that 4.2 million young people admitted to binge drinking at least once in the past month.

Alcohol is undeniably accessible to underage people, and a relentlessly growing issue. As a parent of a child who participates in drinking, it’s understandable to feel like you’ve exhausted your options. Here are some less typical, and highly effective approaches to try out.

Know The Signs

Before you can address your child’s drinking habit, being able to see the signs of drinking can help you assess the magnitude of the problem. Here are some things to look out for:

• A sudden “flu” after a night out with friends (could be a cover for a hangover)
• Missing alcohol from the house – always know how much you have
• A decline in school performance (attendance, grades, etc.)
• Losing interest in their favorite things
• Personality shifts (easily angered, irritable, depression)
• Physical or mental problems: memory lapses, lack of concentration, bloodshot eyes, or slurred speech

If your child demonstrates these signs on a regular basis, it’s likely they participate in drinking frequently.

Kill the Stigma

Don’t make alcohol (or any other substances, while we’re on the topic) a taboo subject at home. Adopt an educational parenting style by teaching your kids about the dangers of alcohol, and establishing your rules clearly. Your kids have an innate yearning to please you. Simply communicating your stance can help your children form similar opinions.

NPR released an article about parenting style and its influence on underage drinking. It’s a commentary on parents’ effectiveness when establishing house rules early on. For the parents that don’t make rules, children were about three times more likely to participate in heavy drinking. So find the balance. Don’t get caught up in being the “cool” parent, keep the talk an ongoing conversation, and lay out the rules.

Develop Trust

Have an open conversation with your teen about your awareness of their drinking. It’s likely you’ve learned that the more oppositional you are, the more they’ll make a double life out of their partying. The last thing you want is your intoxicated teen getting behind the wheel because they don’t think they can call you, and ending up in a severe car accident.

Trust allows you to be involved enough to keep your child safe, as well as remain an influence in their life. Dealing with this is definitely a matter of playing the long game, but the return on your investment will make it worthwhile.

Get Them Involved

Rather than punishing your child by taking their privileges away, get them heavily involved in activities. Whether that’s sports, clubs, or school leadership, filling their day with commitments that demand their sobriety may allow them to take responsibility for their schedule. It’s a bonus that they’ll be involving themselves with a group of kids that don’t participate in drinking, as the kids with a drinking problem tend to self-isolate. Minimize your child’s risk of doing the same by honing in on their community involvement (and being their ride). 

There is no one-size-fits-all way to tackle underage drinking, but there are pillars you can live by; being a present, loving, and involved parent. Weigh the battles you fight with your kid, and nurture the relationship as much as possible. You’re their insight into the world, so take that responsibility head-on and be the example they need. 

Read: 5 Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools.

Read: Help for Struggling Young Adults.

Read: Goal of Therapeutic Boarding School.

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If you feel your teen is abusing alcohol or drugs and you have exhausted your local resources, contact us to learn about how residential treatment may be able to benefit your family.

The post Strategies For Keeping Your Teen Away From Alcohol first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Parents who spend a great deal of time with their teenagers are often tuned into what is normal behavior and what is not.  However, even parents who are actively involved in the daily activities of their teenagers may overlook – or subconsciously deny – the earliest signs of a substance abuse problem.

Some of the clues that your teenager may exhibit when using drugs or alcohol are fairly subtle, but others are rather obvious:

*Many hours spent alone, especially in their room; persistent isolation from the rest of the family.  This is particular suspicious in a youngster who had not been a loner until now.

*Resistance to taking with or confiding in parents, secretiveness, especially in a teenager who had previously been open.  Be sure that your teenager is not being secretive because every time he tries to confide in you, you jump on him or break his confidence.

*There is marked change for the worse in performance and attendance at school and/or job or other responsibilities as well as in dress, hygiene, grooming, frequent memory lapses, lack of concentration, and unusual sleepiness.

*A change of friends; from acceptable to unacceptable.

*Pronounced mood swings with irritability, hostile outbursts, and rebelliousness.  Your teenager may seem untrustworthy, insincere or even paranoid.

*Lying, usually in order to cover up drinking or drug using behavior as well as sources of money and possessions; stealing, shoplifting, or encounters with the police.

*Abandonment of wholesome activities such as sports, social service and other groups, religious services, teen programs, hobbies, and even involvement in family life.

*Unusual physical symptoms such as dilated or pinpoint pupils, bloodshot eyes, frequent nosebleeds, changes in appetite, digestive problems, excessive yawning, and the shakes.

These are just a few of the warning signs that can be recognized.  Be careful not to jump to the conclusion that your teenager may be using when you see such behavior.

Evaluate the situation.  Talk to your teenager.  Try to spend time with her so that she feels that she can trust you.  By creating a home that is nurturing, she will understand that despite of unhealthy choices that she will always get the love and moral support that she deserves.

Building a strong relationship with your teenager now will mean that in time of crises your love, support, wisdom, and experience won’t be shut out of your teenager’s decision making.

If you have a suspicion that your teenager is involved in the use of drugs or alcohol, don’t hesitate to bring the subject up.  The sooner the problem is identified and treated, the better the chances that your teenager’s future will be safeguarded.  Raising the subject will be easier if you already have good communication in the family.

Discuss the ways in which you can seek help together.  An evaluation by a substance abuse professional may be the key to understanding what is really going on with your teenager.

Read: Why Short Talks Build Strong Relationships.

By By Shawnda P. Burns, LMHC, CAP

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If you have exhausted your local resources, such as therapists, out-patient and possible short-term in-patient, and still find that your teenager is struggling with behavior issues, it might be time to consider residential therapy. Contact us for more information.

The post How Do I Recognize If My Teenager Is Using Drugs Or Alcohol? first appeared on Help Your Teens.

There are over 7,800 new users of illicit drugs, daily. Over half of those new users are minors. Marijuana, over-the-counter, prescription, ecstasy, and cocaine are among the most popular drugs teens use – but how are parents getting in front of their teen’s drug use before it starts?

TeenSafe, one of the most popular parental monitoring services, wants to empower parents with the tools to monitor and manage a child’s online activity in order to help know when they need to open a dialogue and start a conversation, before their activities lead to serious problems.

Below is a roundup of signs your teen may be hiding drug or alcohol abuse.

7 Signs your teens is hiding or abusing drugs or alcohol:

1.       Suddenly messy or unkempt appearance – A teen abusing substances may suddenly become messy or unkempt, have poor hygiene, or have unexplained marks or burns

2.       Separate social groups – Teens are more likely to do drugs in social situations. The introduction of drugs or alcohol also often comes with new friends, separate social groups, or the loss of old friends

3.       Sudden drop in grades – If your teen’s abuse has led to addiction, it can also impact their academic performance, including increased truancy, sudden drops in grades, or loss of interest in extracurricular activities

4.       Unexplained income – Dealing with drugs can lead to dealing drugs. Be on the lookout for unexplained income, cash flow problems, increased requests for money, or signs of theft

5.       Dramatic weight loss or gain – Signs that substance abuse is impacting your teen’s health include dramatic weight loss or gain, erratic sleep schedule, slurred or unintelligible speech, and clumsiness or lack of balance

6.       Altered emotional state – Drugs and alcohol don’t just affect a child’s physical health. It also alters their mental and psychological well-being, causing rapid mood swings, loss of inhibitions, loss of focus, and hyperactivity

7.       Abrupt personality change – Perhaps the most worrisome sign is that substances can create changes in the core personality of your teen. If your teen has developed secretive behavior, the tendency to lie, or depression, it may be time to seek help

Read: Why Therapeutic Boarding Schools Are Effective.

Read: 5 Benefits of Boarding Schools.

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If you believe your teen is struggling with substance abuse, seek help through a local therapist.  If you have exhausted your local resources and it doesn’t seem to be helping, please contact us for options in residential therapy. There are programs that will accept PPO insurance and IEPs as a portion of their tuition.

The post 7 Signs Your Teen is Hiding Drug or Alcohol Abuse first appeared on Help Your Teens.

One study (Wellman et al, 2006) found that exposure to tobacco marketing increased smoking by teens, and another (Hastings et al) concluded that food marketing increases food intake and the likelihood of obesity. Alcoholism, too, is a risk, with various longitudinal studies showing a link between exposure to alcohol advertising, and increased consumption.

Important findings include:

• 12-year-olds who are heavily exposed to alcohol advertising are 50 per cent more likely to start drinking one year later compared to those who are only slightly exposed to similar material (Collins et al, 2007).
• Teenage males who own a promotional item from an alcohol manufacturer are almost twice as likely to start drinking alcohol than male teens who do not own these items; statistics are similar for female teens (for whom percentages are slightly lower). (McClure et al, 2009).
• Teens who have been heavily exposed to alcohol marketing tend to drink greater amounts than those who are slightly exposed to similar material. (Snyder et al, 2006)
• Youths who watch 60 per cent more alcohol advertising are 44 per cent more likely to have ever drunk beer and 26 per cent more likely to have consumed three or more alcoholic beverages on one occasion. ((Stacy et al, 2004).

In one important study carried out by researchers at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, it was found that one in every three youths choose a brand of alcohol based on advertising and marketing. The reasons for the choice of a specific brand include:

• Fondness for a particular celebrity or brand ambassador who endorses a specific alcoholic product.
• Taste: Some youths choose a particular brand because they expect that it will taste good.
• Price: Youths can make their selection based on the low cost of some items.
• Emulation: Youths can opt for a particular brand because they see adults drinking it or see movie or television stars make the same choice.

Those who see alcohol as a lesser problem for youths in the U.S, should think again: alcohol is the most commonly abused drug among teens in America; it causes over 4,000 deaths among youths, every year. Research shows that around 70 per cent of 12^th grade students have consumed alcohol and the problem extends to younger students, with around 13 per cent of eight graders admitting that they have consumed alcohol in the previous 30 days.

Meanwhile, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2013) found that among high school students, in the 30 days prior to the survey, 21 per cent engaged in binge drinking, 10 per cent drove after drinking alcohol, and 22 per cent rode in a car driven by a person who had been drinking. Some 35 per cent in total consumed some amount of alcohol.

As a whole, it can be said that exposure to marketing and advertisements promoting alcohol, is linked to a greater chance of teens starting to drink, and of teens drinking more than counterparts who have not been bombarded with promotional material. It is therefore vital that parents and teachers enlighten teens on these findings, so that they become more aware about the link between what they view, and the choices they make. They should also be presented with the facts: alcohol and drugs are the leading factors in teen suicide, over 23 million people aged 12 and above are addicted to alcohol or drugs, and there is a direct relationship between addiction and poor academic results.

Of course, advertising is not the only reason teens use drugs and consume alcohol. Other factors are in play, which should be recognized and addressed by parents and teachers. These include the influence of other teens, escape, boredom, rebellion and instant gratification. For others still, drugs and alcohol are a way to gain the confidence they might not otherwise have. These people may use alcohol to rid themselves of inhibition and social anxiety. Finally, misinformation is one of the biggest culprits as far as abuse and addiction are concerned. Most teenagers will come across friends who used drugs and alcohol, yet seem to be functioning at school and socially. It is vital that schools and families work together to enlighten children on the pure, unadulterated facts regarding drugs and alcohol.

It is easy to ignore the effects that advertising has on the habits of our teens, yet research suggests that exposure to specific marketing campaigns does, indeed, lead to unhealthy choices. One study (Wellman et al, 2006) found that exposure to tobacco marketing increased smoking by teens, and another (Hastings et al) concluded that food marketing increases food intake and the likelihood of obesity. Alcoholism, too, is a risk, with various longitudinal studies showing a link between exposure to alcohol advertising, and increased consumption.

Important findings include:

• 12-year-olds who are heavily exposed to alcohol advertising are 50 per cent more likely to start drinking one year later compared to those who are only slightly exposed to similar material (Collins et al, 2007).
• Teenage males who own a promotional item from an alcohol manufacturer are almost twice as likely to start drinking alcohol than male teens who do not own these items; statistics are similar for female teens (for whom percentages are slightly lower). (McClure et al, 2009).
• Teens who have been heavily exposed to alcohol marketing tend to drink greater amounts than those who are slightly exposed to similar material. (Snyder et al, 2006)
• Youths who watch 60 per cent more alcohol advertising are 44 per cent more likely to have ever drunk beer and 26 per cent more likely to have consumed three or more alcoholic beverages on one occasion. ((Stacy et al, 2004).

In one important study carried out by researchers at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, it was found that one in every three youths choose a brand of alcohol based on advertising and marketing. The reasons for the choice of a specific brand include:

• Fondnessfor a particular celebrity or brand ambassador who endorses a specific alcoholic product.
• Taste: Some youths choose a particular brand because they expect that it will taste good.
• Price: Youths can make their selection based on the low cost of some items.
• Emulation: Youths can opt for a particular brand because they see adults drinking it or see movie or television stars make the same choice.

Those who see alcohol as a lesser problem for youths in the U.S, should think again: alcohol is the most commonly abused drug among teens in America; it causes over 4,000 deaths among youths, every year. Research shows that around 70 per cent of 12^th grade students have consumed alcohol and the problem extends to younger students, with around 13 per cent of eight graders admitting that they have consumed alcohol in the previous 30 days.

Meanwhile, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2013) found that among high school students, in the 30 days prior to the survey, 21 per cent engaged in binge drinking, 10 per cent drove after drinking alcohol, and 22 per cent rode in a car driven by a person who had been drinking. Some 35 per cent in total consumed some amount of alcohol.

As a whole, it can be said that exposure to marketing and advertisements promoting alcohol, is linked to a greater chance of teens starting to drink, and of teens drinking more than counterparts who have not been bombarded with promotional material. It is therefore vital that parents and teachers enlighten teens on these findings, so that they become more aware about the link between what they view, and the choices they make. They should also be presented with the facts: alcohol and drugs are the leading factors in teen suicide, over 23 million people aged 12 and above are addicted to alcohol or drugs, and there is a direct relationship between addiction and poor academic results.

Of course, advertising is not the only reason teens use drugs and consume alcohol. Other factors are in play, which should be recognized and addressed by parents and teachers. These include the influence of other teens, escape, boredom, rebellion and instant gratification.

For others still, drugs and alcohol are a way to gain the confidence they might not otherwise have. These people may use alcohol to rid themselves of inhibition and social anxiety. Finally, misinformation is one of the biggest culprits as far as abuse and addiction are concerned. Most teenagers will come across friends who used drugs and alcohol, yet seem to be functioning at school and socially. It is vital that schools and families work together to enlighten children on the pure, unadulterated facts regarding drugs and alcohol.

Read: 5 Benefits of Boarding Schools for Troubled Teens.

Read: Goals of Behavior Modification Programs for Teens.

Read: Why Residential Therapy Works.

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Since 2001 we’ve been helping parents find the right therapeutic boarding schools for their troubled teens. Contact us for a free consultation.

The post How Advertising Affects Teen Consumption of Alcohol first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Teen drinking, which is underage drinking, is an issue that many parents face.

Being an educated and prepared parent helps to keep your child safer.

The Pre-Game

Teens often indulge in a “pre-game” drinking binge before parties or sports events. Large quantities are consumed quickly in order to sustain a sense of inebriation over many hours. The point of a pre-game binge is to achieve inebriation before an event where access to alcohol and drugs will be restricted.

Pre-gaming is especially dangerous in that it often occurs in a vehicle. Although drinking can occur during the drive to the event, teens may also drink in the parking lot of the event venue. Alcohol can also be smuggled into venues, disguised in water bottles or hidden inside large purses or jackets.

The Parent Game Plan: Before parties and big events, be involved as your teen prepares. When possible, drive your teen and his friends to the venue. As always, be honest with your teen about the dangers of drinking and your stance on the issue.

Working for the Weekend
Some kids work hard all week on academics and sports, but see the weekend as a time to partake in illicit activities and party behavior. This mindset is especially prevalent at competitive high schools. This attitude toward drugs and alcohol equates recreation as something that is rebellious against responsibility and is seen as a reward for good behavior. After working hard, they feel as though they deserve to play hard. This type of attitude can lead to a dependence on drugs or alcohol as a means to relax.

The Parent Game Plan: Explain to your teen that responsible behavior throughout the week does not warrant complete independence. It is also important to teach your teen positive ways to relax. Positive recreational activities and hobbies not only occupy a teen’s time, but they also offer a sense of accomplishment and self-worth that alcohol and drugs can never provide.

Social Lubricant
Let’s face it. Being a teenager is difficult, and social interaction can be awkward. Many teens drink to feel less inhibited and more secure in social settings. Unfortunately, some teens will drink in response to anxiety about a crush, which heightens the risk of poor sexual decisions. Forming these habits during formative years can have a drastic effect on a teen, potentially making it difficult for her to socialize without alcohol or other substances.

The Parent Game Plan: Teens needs to learn how to face the fears and risks of social interaction in a substance-free environment. Host co-ed movie nights or game nights for your teen’s friends and serve as a chaperone. Sometimes teenagers turn to illicit activities because the peer group doesn’t accept wholesome activities as fun. It is your job to provide your teenager with a healthy example of “adult” fun.

Another option is to introduce your teen to an older mentor. Encouraging your teen to spend time with mentors with similar interests can help him adapt to a more mature standard of behavior. This will also give your teen the opportunity to talk about embarrassing or difficult situations he may not be able to come to you about.

For the Win
During unsupervised parties, many kids participate in drinking games popularized by college students. While these games can seem as harmless as table tennis to teenagers, the truth is those who participate in drinking games are at a higher risk for developing alcoholism. Once teens accept the rules of these games, the height of tolerance levels is tantamount to strength. These teens think they are winning at a game, but they are actually exposing their brains to toxic levels of alcohol.

Essentially drinking games are a way for teenagers to bond while participating in binge drinking behavior. Unlike pre-gaming, there is no time limit in drinking games. This means that many teens will drink until their physical limits are reached. Alcohol poisoning and black-outs are two immediate effects of binge drinking.

The Parent Game Plan: Teenagers who binge drink will be unable to hide the effects from their parents, which means they will most likely “crash” where the party was thrown or they will stay with a friend who has lenient or oblivious parents. Parents can discourage binge drinking by confirming plans with other parents and enforcing curfews. Let your teenager know that you expect him not only to behave responsibly, but to look out for his friends who may be affected by this social behavior.

How to Stop Teen Alcohol Abuse

Be involved.

Parents who are involved in their teenagers lives – offering support, encouraging questions and providing wholesome outlets for socializing – are following the #1 rule to keeping their children safe from alcohol abuse.

Read: 5 Benefits of Boarding Schools for Troubled Teens.

Read: Goals of Behavior Modification Programs for Teens.

Read: Why Residential Therapy Works.

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If you suspect your teen is drinking, be sure to seek outside help. Have you exhausted your local resources and you find their behavior is escalating? Don’t be a parent in denial and believe this is only a phase they will grow out of. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it’s not. Learn more about your options if you feel you are at your wit’s end – contact us for more information.

The post Teen Alcoholism: What is the Mentality Behind It? first appeared on Help Your Teens.

Whether it’s summer break, back to college freedom or a Friday night without parents, underage drinking is a concern that parents need to take seriously.

Do you believe underage drinking is okay?

People have different philosophies about alcohol. One thing everyone can agree on is that drinking and driving kills, as does buzzed driving.  Especially with young drivers, such as teenagers, mixing alcohol with an automobile is not only potentially deadly for them, but for others on the road.

Facts About Underage Drinking:

You probably see and hear a lot about alcohol—from TV, movies, music, and your friends. But what are the real facts about underage alcohol use?

Myth Alcohol isn’t as harmful as other drugs.
FACT Alcohol increases your risk for many deadly diseases, such as cancer. Drinking too much alcohol too quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can kill you.

Myth Drinking is a good way to loosen up at parties.
FACT Drinking is a dumb way to loosen up. It can make you act silly, say things you shouldn’t say, and do things you wouldn’t normally do (like get into fights).

Myth Drinking alcohol will make me cool.
FACT There’s nothing cool about stumbling around, passing out, or puking on yourself. Drinking alcohol also can cause bad breath and weight gain.

Myth All of the other kids drink alcohol. I need to drink to fit in.
FACT If you really want to fit in, stay sober. Most young people don’t drink alcohol. Research shows that more than 70 percent of youth age 12 to 20 haven’t had a drink in the past month.

 
Myth I can sober up quickly by taking a cold shower or drinking coffee.
FACT On average, it takes 2 to 3 hours for a single drink to leave the body. Nothing can speed up the process, not even drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or “walking it off.”

Myth Adults drink, so kids should be able to drink too.
FACT A young person’s brain and body are still growing. Drinking alcohol can cause learning problems or lead to adult alcoholism. People who begin drinking by age 15 are five times more likely to abuse or become dependent on alcohol than those who begin drinking after age 20.

 
Myth Beer and wine are safer than liquor.
FACT Alcohol is alcohol. It can cause you problems no matter how you consume it. One 12-ounce bottle of beer or a 5-ounce glass of wine (about a half cup) has as much alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. Alcopops—sweet drinks laced with malt liquor—often contain more alcohol than beer!

Myth I can drink alcohol and not have any problems.
FACT If you’re under 21, drinking alcohol is a big problem: It’s illegal. If caught, you may have to pay a fine, perform community service, or take alcohol awareness classes. Kids who drink also are more likely to get poor grades in school and are at higher risk for being a crime victim.

Read: 5 Benefits of Boarding Schools.

Read: Why Therapeutic Boarding Schools Are Effective.

Sources:

Office of Applied Studies (2008). Results from the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National findings. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.² Office of Applied Studies (2004). Alcohol dependence or abuse and age at first use. The NSDUH Report.

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The post Teens and Underage Drinking first appeared on Help Your Teens.