Signs of Teenage Drinking

Teenage drinking can be a serious problem. Though experimentation among teenagers is a common part of adolescence, this experimentation can lead to serious abuse according to the AACAP. It is important as a parent to understand the signs of teenage drinking and seek help for your teenager immediately to help avoid any serious health effects.

School

• When your teenager begins drinking, he may take his school career less seriously. You may notice a slip in his grades or a lack of interest in completing homework or studying for exams. When you talk to your teenager about her day, she may seem negative about class or school in general or possibly be sent home for negative behavior at school. Your teenager may also start skipping classes or staying home because he feels too sick to go to class.

Family

• Your teen will want to hide his drinking from family. This may involve his starting arguments with you or his siblings more frequently to avoid having to communicate or spend time with family. Your teen may also avoid family events such as birthday parties or holidays.

Mood Changes

• If your teenager has been drinking heavily, you will notice a change in her moods. She may become easily agitated when confronted about simple things such as school or sports. She may also become withdrawn from friends and activities that she used to enjoy. If your teenager is typically happy, you may notice that she seems more depressed or has frequent bouts of unexplained crying or other emotional outbursts. Your teenager may also start exhibiting poor judgment, low self-esteem and depression.

Physical Changes

• With alcohol abuse there are physical changes that occur in teenagers just as they do in adults. Your teen may seem less concerned with how his appearance is each day or even stop taking care of his personal hygiene. Your teenager may also appear fatigued or have red or glazed eyes throughout the day.

Behaviors

• Aside from emotional behaviors, your teenager may also exhibit other behaviors that are a negative result of alcohol. Some of these behaviors can include getting in trouble with the law, breaking curfew or having a lack of concern for rules. You may notice money missing from your purse or wallet as well since your teenager needs to fund his drinking habit. Another common behavioral issue is your teenager may be more secretive or be caught in several lies. She may hide herself in her room more often or have drinking bottles disguised as water or juice that she keeps close to her.