Teen Binge Drinking and Alcoholism

Teenage Drinking: Binge Drinking

Teen drinking is often written off as a fun and lighthearted part of growing up, but unfortunately, the truth is much more sinister. Teen binge drinking can lead easily and quickly to teen alcoholism. Teenagers begin drinking for many reasons: peer pressure, a desire to try something new and exciting, even self-medication for depression or other mental health issues. They are inexperienced at knowing their limits and often have little tolerance, so they look to the guidance of their peers—who are, more often than not, the ones holding the beer bong. By turning drinking into a competitive game, teens take in much more alcohol and expose themselves to serious risk of alcohol poisoning. And binge drinking is very common: the CDC estimates that “about 90% of the alcohol consumed by youth under the age of 21 in the United States is in the form of binge drinks.” But it isn’t just the short-term risks, including health problems, unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and accidents, that make teen binge drinking a problem.

Effects of Alcoholism to Teenagers

It’s also that teens who binge on alcohol are at greater risk to become addicted to it. And while alcoholism is a terrible and deadly disease in adults, it’s even more harmful to young people whose brains and bodily systems are still growing and developing. Alcohol abuse can slow brain development in teens and lead to long-term medical complications. Furthermore, the younger you are when you develop a drinking problem, the shorter your life expectancy. Teen alcoholics are also at risk for developing other drug addictions. If you’re a teen and you’re worried that you might have a drinking problem, or if you’re a parent and you suspect your child is an alcoholic, it’s important to seek help right away.

Rebuilding Lives of Teens from Alcoholism: Learn the Signs and Get Help with Archstone Recovery

Archstone Recovery Center of the Palm Beaches is a well-regarded, state-of-the-art drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. Teens and adults from New York (NY), New Jersey (NJ), Baltimore (MD), Washington DC, New England, and Florida (FL) all come to Archstone Recovery Center of the Palm Beaches in beautiful, sunny Lantana, Florida. Archstone Recovery’s multiple treatment options (including detox, outpatient, residential, transitional, and extended care programs), skilled counselors and medical staff, and proven twelve-step approach help teen alcoholics rebuild their lives while they still have time to start again. Get help for teen alcohol rehab with Archstone Recovery Center.