subject: Recognizable Signs And Symptoms Of Alcoholism In Teens [print this page] Alcohol is a substance that is commonly abused by adolescents that may result in long-term consequences. Problems that have to do with alcohol may start at an early age and identifying the signs of alcoholism among teenagers is essential for treatment and prevention.
Alcoholism in teenagers has become prevalent because of many influences in the modern times. While teenagers can be influenced by their parents and friends to consume alcohol, the strong influence of the media can make a difference in their decision to try out the substance. According to many specialists from alcohol rehab centers, the minds of teens may be too young to make a wise decision when it comes to alcohol consumption. Thus, they need the assistance of their parents as they fight alcohol temptations. Concerned parents should identify the symptoms of teenage alcohol abuse to give them immediate help.
Physiological Symptoms
When a life of a teenager has been affected by alcohol, the sufferer will display physical symptoms like watery eyes and fatigue. They may also have changes in their eating habits and sleeping behaviors. Depending on how frequent they overuse alcohol, it is likely that they gain weight. Adolescent alcoholism can also be recognized in young individuals who have poor motor coordination, staggered walking and shaking hands.
Mental Symptoms
Adolescents who abuse alcohol can suffer from emotional disturbances and personality changes. In general, adolescent abusers tend to be irritable and moody as hormonal changes occur during a teen's development. Many professionals of alcohol rehabs say that teenagers who abuse alcohol may also show lack of interest in taking part in activities that they used to consider as pleasurable, suffer from depression and low self-esteem. Additionally, these young individuals are likely to be destructive and argumentative as chemical change takes place in their body due to the use of too much alcohol.
Modifications in Interpersonal Behaviors
Young alcohol abusers may have educational issues as they tend to lose interest in school. They may also refuse to be involved in extracurricular activities and sports that were once pleasurable for them. These abusers tend to associate themselves with a new group of friends who frequently consumes alcohol. According to many studies, adolescents may be involved in reckless activities like unprotected sex which may cause pregnancies and sexually-transmitted diseases.
Adolescents need the guidance of their parents to become aware of the risk of teenage drinking. It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of teen alcoholism to save the young sufferer from getting more health complications.