Teenage Alcoholism
According to global statistics, the three leading sources of teen deaths, outside natural causes, are road accidents, suicides and homicides. The common cause of these is alcohol. These can be avoided if only the parents and the teenagers themselves know all the negative consequences. It is sad to say that when most people discuss alcoholism, the focus is the adults and the teens and youths are left out. Many adolescents (aged 12 to 18) and young adults (aged 20 to 24) around the world is suffering from alcoholism when in fact the international legal drinking age is 20 years old.
Alcohol addiction, alcohol dependence or alcoholism is a progressive degenerative disease that includes these symptoms:
* Craving which is a strong and continuing compulsion or need to drink.
* Tolerance is the need to drink in increasing amounts of alcohol in order to “get high” or “feel the buzz”.
* Physical dependence is a withdrawal symptom which happens when a person stops drinking after a period of overindulgence. This includes anxiety, sweating, nausea and “the shakes”.
* Loss of control is the inability to limit one’s drinking over time or on any given situation.
It is often thought that alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction is the same but they are not. Alcohol abuse does not manifest any of these signs but it still harm the body. The most obvious sign of addiction is the desire to indulge in an alcoholic drink at anytime. Signs of addiction also include psychological signs like:
* use of alcohol as a means to forget problems or to relax
* withdrawal or keeping secrets from family and friends
* loss of interest in activities that used to be important
* problems with school work such as failing grades and absences
* spending a lot of time figuring how to get drinks
* stealing or selling belongings to be able to but drinks
* failed attempts at quitting
* anxiety, anger or depression
* mood swings
The physical signs are:
* changes in sleeping habits
* feeling shaky or sick when trying to stop
* needing to drink more to feel the desired effect
* changes in eating habits which results in weight gain or loss
It is not known what really causes alcoholism but there are several factors that contribute to it like:
1. peer pressure
2. genetics and family background
3. feeling of resignation or rebellion
4. pain, suffering and chaos
5. psychiatric roots
Many studies have already been conducted on the health effects of alcohol consumption, be it short term or long term. These health effects includes: liver damage, pancreatitis, certain cancers and brain shrinkage.
Since aldolescence is a transition time when the body undergoes many significant changes, the effects of alcoholism may be lasting though they may not show right away. Alcohol is absorbed very rapidly into the bloodstream and the effects can last for several hours, depending on the amount and how quickly it is consumed.
Aside from the fact that underage drinking is illegal, it prompts unwanted behavior that poses a high risk to both the individual and those around him. This may include:
1. Drinking and driving
Many road accidents are caused by driving under the influence of alcohol.
2. Suicide
Alcohol use contributes to being depressed and stressed out which may lead to suicide. It has also been associated with considering, planning, attempting or contemplating suicide.
3. Sexual assault
Alcohol use of the offender, the victim or both, increases the likelihood of sexual assault.
4. High-risk sex
Studies have associated adolescent alcohol use with high-risk sex like having multiple partners and unprotected sex.
The most common and effective way to combat alcoholism is through a self-help support group with advice and counseling from health care professionals. The treatment should also involve the family and friends because successful treatment does not happen in isolation. Once treatment is on the way, the following will help a lot towards a successful treatment:
1. Telling friends about the decision to stop drinking. You will need all the support that you can get.
2. Ask family and friends to be available when needed. Do not attempt to handle rough times alone.
3. Accept invitations and plan activities that do not involve alcohol. These can be going to the movies, art class or joining a religious group.
4. Plan in advance what to do if you get in a situation that alcohol is involve. Temptations will always be present but as long as things are in control, you will be able to resist.
Recovering from alcoholism does not end with the six-week treatment program but is a life-long process. Once a relapse occurs, recognizing the problem as soon as possible is very important and getting help right away is necessary.