Teens, adolescents, and young adults often drink alcohol to relax, socialize or celebrate. However, those struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD) drink too much, putting themselves and others at risk.
AUD is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder manifested by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol consumption and a negative state of mind when not drinking. Approximately, 16 million people struggle with AUD in the United States. Alcohol is immediately observed in the bloodstream, increasing blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The higher the BAC, the more impaired one becomes due to the effects of alcohol.
Using alcohol early in life can lead to various short- and long-term consequences like:
Other problems can be accidents, violent and risky behavior, suicide and homicide.
Excessive alcohol consumption at one time or over a period of time can have debilitating consequences on the body such as:
Teens using alcohol display changes in personal appearance, behavior, performance at school, relationship troubles, health indicators, social habits, friend circles, and more. Look for the following signs and symptoms to determine alcohol use in your teen:
Personal appearance: Adolescents indulging in alcohol abuse tend to ignore personal hygiene. They would appear unkempt and would experience sudden and unexplained weight loss or gain.
Behavioral symptoms: These include changes in the overall personality of the teen using alcohol. They would display an increased need for privacy, drastic mood swings, irritability, oversensitivity and resentful behavior.
Performance at school: One would notice a drop in the grades of an adolescent indulging in alcohol. Further, they would defy authority, display risk-taking behavior and would lose interest in studies and other school-related activities.
Relationship trouble: Young adults using alcohol would withdraw from friends and family and show a disinterest and non-engagement in family-related activities.
Other indicators of teens indulging in alcohol use include depression, disturbed and unusual sleep patterns, excessive sweatiness, nausea, unexpected nose bleeds, dilated pupils or bloodshot eyes, vomiting and nausea.
In the United States, alcohol is the most widely abused substance among the youth.
Fetal alcohol exposure occurs when the mother-to-be drinks during her pregnancy. Alcohol consumption in any amount is unsafe during pregnancy. It can lead to a range of cognitive, developmental, and behavioral changes in the fetus. These changes can surface anytime during childhood. According to research, binge drinking or taking more than four drinks on a single occasion can be detrimental to fetal health. Individuals struggling with FASD face difficulties in coordination, socialization, emotional control, school work, and holding onto a job. They are poor at decision making, trust the wrong people and repeat their mistakes.
The severity of FASD is determined by how much and at what stage does a female drink during her pregnancy. However, some other factors can also qualify as risk factors. These are:
Some of the special populations are vulnerable to the effects of alcohol because of their age, gender or ethnic history. These special populations are:
Prolonged use of alcohol can change brain chemistry leading to the development of a mental illness. This is known as dual diagnosis, that is the simultaneous presence of an AUD and a mental disorder.
Alcohol addiction treatment plans for teens are different from those used for adults. ADEONA Healthcare, a world leader in teen addiction treatment, addresses both the symptoms and the cause for alcohol abuse.
The first step of treatment for alcohol addiction at ADEONA Healthcare is a detox program. Our state-of-the-art treatment center at Rancho San Diego provides a healthy environment conducive for healing while allowing the patient to deal with the withdrawal symptoms. Once the detox is complete, the ensuing treatment is started during which the teen is taught coping mechanisms through behavioral and experiential therapies. After treatment, support groups and continuing care ensure that the recovery is long-lasting.
For more information about how ADEONA Healthcare can help someone you know, please get in touch with our 24/7 helpline (888) 379-9360. You may even chat online with our representative for immediate resolution.
