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Make a Difference - Talk to Your Child About Alcohol
Could Your Child Develop a Drinking Problem?
While this guide is mainly concerned with preventing teen alcohol use, we also need to pay attention to the possibility of youthful alcohol abuse. Certain children are more likely than others to drink heavily and encounter alcohol-related difficulties, including health, school, legal, family, and emotional problems. Kids at highest risk for alcohol-related problems are those who:
- Begin using alcohol or other drugs before the age of 15.
- Have a parent who is a problem drinker or an alcoholic.
- Have close friends who use alcohol and/or other drugs.
- Have been aggressive, antisocial, or hard to control from an early age.
- Have experienced childhood abuse and/or other major traumas.
- Have current behavioral problems and/or are failing at school.
- Have parents who do not support them, do not communicate openly with them, and do not keep track of their behavior or whereabouts.
- Experience ongoing hostility or rejection from parents and/or harsh, inconsistent discipline.
The more of these experiences a child has had, the greater the chances that he or she will develop problems with alcohol. Having one or more risk factors does not mean that your child definitely will develop a drinking problem. It does suggest, however, that you may need to act now to help protect your youngster from later problems. For example, if you have not been openly communicating with your child, it will be important to develop new ways of talking and listening to each other. Or, if your child has serious behavioral difficulties, you may want to seek help from your child’s school counselor, physician, and/or a mental health professional.
Some parents may suspect that their child already has a drinking problem. While it can be hard to know for sure, certain behaviors can alert you to the possibility of an alcohol problem. If you think your child may be in trouble with drinking, consider getting advice from a health care professional specializing in alcohol problems before talking with your teen. To find a professional, contact your family doctor or a local hospital. Other sources of information and guidance may be found in your local Yellow Pages under "Alcoholism," or through one of the links provided.
Warning Signs of a Drinking Problem
While the following behaviors may indicate an alcohol or other drug problem, some also reflect normal teenage growing pains. Experts believe that a drinking problem is more likely if you notice several of these signs at the same time, if they occur suddenly, and if some of them are extreme in nature.
Mood changes: flare-ups of temper, irritability, and defensiveness.
School problems: poor attendance, low grades, and/or recent disciplinary action.
Rebelling against family rules.
Switching friends, along with a reluctance to have you get to know the new friends.
A "nothing matters" attitude: sloppy appearance, a lack of involvement in former interests, and general low energy.
Finding alcohol in your child’s room or backpack, or smelling alcohol on his or her breath.
Physical or mental problems: memory lapses, poor concentration, bloodshot eyes, lack of coordination, or slurred speech.
Action Checklist
Establish a loving, trusting relationship with your child.
Make it easy for your teen to talk honestly with you.
Talk with your child about alcohol facts, reasons not to drink, and ways to avoid drinking in difficult situations.
Keep tabs on your young teen’s activities, and join with other parents in making common policies about teen alcohol use.
Develop family rules about teen drinking and establish consequences.
Set a good example regarding your own alcohol use and your response to teen drinking.
Encourage your child to develop healthy friendships and fun alternatives to drinking.
Know whether your child is at high risk for a drinking problem; if so, take steps to lessen that risk.
Know the warning signs of a teen drinking problem and act promptly to get help for your child.
Believe in your own power to help your child avoid alcohol use.
Copyright © National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Reprinted with permission.
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