Alcohol is one of the most abused substances by the youth, making it a significant public health problem. Frequently, young people engage in the form of alcohol abuse called binge drinking. Many adults are unaware of the dangers of binge drinking in teens and adolescents. If you are worried about your teen’s drinking habits, call Venture Academy for signs to watch out for and available alcohol abuse treatment options.
What Are the Dangers of Binge Drinking in Teens?
Binge drinking can be defined as a behaviour that increases alcohol concentration in the body above the legal limit of 0.08%. Teenage binge drinking can go beyond ten drinks per session. The majority of binge drinkers are under the age of 35, and young people make up the largest group that regularly binges.
However, binge drinking is not an indication that a teen has an alcohol use disorder. But experts concur that teens who indulge in binge drinking are more vulnerable to abusing drugs and other substances.
Some of the risks that teens can face when indulging in binge drinking include:
- Simultaneous abuse of other substances and drugs, such as marijuana
- A higher risk of causing car accidents
- Addiction and development of alcohol use disorders
- Vulnerability to various diseases, such as heart attack
- Poor concentration, especially in school work
- Exposure to sexually transmitted infections because of impaired judgment
- Premature death as a result of alcohol overdose and poisoning
Signs of an Alcohol Use Disorder in Teens
Teens consume fewer amounts of alcohol than adults, but they take more alcohol per occasion. If you suspect that your child is developing the habit of abusing alcohol, it is vital to seek professional help at a rehab center in Canada.
Nevertheless, several warning signs indicate possible underage use of alcohol, including mood swings, irritability, anger, dropping academic grades, behavioural problems at school, low interest in previously pleasurable activities, and less concern on personal hygiene.
What Can Parents and Guardians Do?
Parents, guardians, and close family members can help prevent the dangers of binge drinking in teens. Government agencies offer prevention guides to help parents and other concerned persons taking care of teens with alcohol use disorders. Parents have a pivotal role in influencing teen decisions and choices before they start drinking.
While it may not be easy to discuss alcohol use with your children as they tend to avoid the topic, it pays to be adamant about addressing the issue. Let them understand the risks associated with alcohol consumption and why they need to quit.
Before talking to them, take time to explore the issues you will discuss and how they are likely to respond. Avoid lectures; instead, make it look like a talk that entirely focuses on getting the best for their present and future lives.
Also, be a good listener. Give your teen time to share personal feelings about alcohol use and be keen to highlight the misconceptions that result in addiction. Help your loved one understand the bigger picture of their vulnerability if they do not change their habits.
Seek Professional Treatment for Binge Drinking at Venture Academy
Sometimes, your efforts alone cannot change your teen for the better. In such circumstances, contact a rehab center for the much-needed help. For a full recovery, therapists use a combination of treatment programs, such as:
- Behavioural treatment program
- 30 Day assessment and intervention
- School programs and education
- Drug and alcohol treatment
- Boot camp for troubled teens
- Social media addiction treatment
At the Venture Academy, we can help your loved one overcome alcohol use disorders and avoid the dangers of binge drinking in teens. Our experts can offer a personalized treatment program to ensure full recovery for teens. Contact Venture Academy at 866.762.2211 for more details.
