How to Address Teenage Binge Drinking

Alcohol is a drug; one that many teenagers are addicted to. Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks at one time. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 35 percent of adults suffering from an alcohol problem developed symptoms by the time they were 19 years old. Teenagers binge drink because they are curious, they think it will make them feel good, they want to feel older, or they want to reduce stress. Addressing teenage binge drinking can be difficult; however, it's a necessary step for every parent.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for signs of teenage bringe drinking. These may include peculiar behavior, a change in friends, staying out late at night or stealing money to buy alcohol.

• 2

  Talk to your child about your concerns, making sure to do more listening than talking. Have casual, ongoing conversations by asking her questions about binge drinking.

• 3

  Explain the dangers of binge drinking. Many teenagers don't realize how much alcohol there is in certain drinks. Explain that sweet drinks, even if they contain juice or soda, contain significant amounts of alcohol.

• 4

  Consider early intervention and therapeutic programs to keep your child from slipping into a serious alcohol problem. These include nature programs and wilderness camps.

• 5

  Get help from another adult the teenager trusts. Some kids don't want to open up to their parent about the pressures to drink, but they may feel more comfortable with a family friend, relative or school counselor. Enlist the help of this other person to start a conversation about the dangers of binge drinking.