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.

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.

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.