Over the past decade, the rates of teen alcoholism have dropped significantly. However, current teenage drinking statistics seem to suggest a future increase.

1. What’s driving increased rates of teen
alcoholism?

2. Over the past decade, the rates of teen alcoholism have dropped significantly. However,
current teenage drinking statistics seem to suggest a future increase. The 2013 National
Survey on Drug Use and Health, as reported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism (NIAAA), found that 22.7 percent of teenagers reported drinking within the
past month, and more than 14.2 percent engaged in binge drinking. While these statistics
are down from rates in 2006, they have risen slightly over the past three years.

3. Environmental influences
Many outside influences can encourage teens to start drinking or exacerbate their existing
drinking habit. Some examples include:
Drinking-acceptable atmosphere —
➔ Throughout history, milestones in life have been celebrated with a drink. For teens, puberty,
adolescent relationships and the loss of virginity may provide the spurs to start drinking.
➔ Unfortunately, entering adolescence is one of the biggest risk factors for developing a severe alcohol
use disorder. If a teen’s family members drink alcohol, the teen will be more likely to engage in alcohol
abuse as well

4. Peer pressure —
➔ Teenage drinking can be the result of peer pressure.
➔ A teen’s peers may provide alcohol, encourage binge drinking (the stereotypical “keg-stand”), or act on
the behalf of another teen’s decision
Entitlement culture —
➔ The rise of smartphones, reduced curfew times and lax rules by parents may have led to a situation
where teens can be lured into the false belief of ultimate free-will and lack of responsibility for their
actions

5. Comorbidity
When a teen suffers from a co-occurring mental health disorder, the combination of alcohol abuse and the
other condition is referred to as comorbidity. Having a mental health disorder is a primary risk factor for
the abuse of alcohol and illicit substances. Some common mental health disorders that contribute to binge
drinking, include:
● Anxiety disorders
● Depression
● Bipolar disorder
● Schizophrenia
● Mood disorders

6. Addressing teen alcoholism
Adults should learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of teenage alcohol abuse to the reverse the
trend. The NIAAA warns of symptoms including:
● Academic problems in school
● Changes in peers and social roles
● Loss of interest in activities
● Disheveled appearance
● Finding alcohol in a teenager’s belongings
● Slurred speech
● Odor of alcohol a teen’s person or
belongings
● Coordination difficulties
● Problems concentrating, focusing or paying
attention

7. Teenage alcohol abuse claims the
lives of more than 4,000 youths
every year. Adults, friends and
family members must stay alert to
the signs and be prepared to take
preventative measures at the first
sign of abuse, which may include
teen rehabilitation.

8. Contact Us
Phone : (866) 615-7266
Website : www.sovteens.com
Address
Sovereign Health Group
2815 Steele Canyon Road,
El Cajon, CA 92019