If you remember your teenage years of experimenting with drinking, you may be concerned about your teen doing the same. No parent wants their child to repeat their mistakes, and even though drinking during the teen years does not always lead down a path of destruction, there is always the potential for it. If your teen struggles with alcohol abuse, enrolling them in a young adult detox center can help change the trajectory of their life.
When you see signs of teen alcohol abuse, you can count on Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida to help your family heal together. Our beautiful sunny Florida location provides a comfortable setting for recovery. Reach out to us today at 866.294.5306 to schedule an intake assessment for your child.
What Are the Signs of Teen Alcohol Abuse?
Teenagers experience hormonal changes and social pressures that can impact their overall mental well-being. The stress of trying to fit in with their peers can lead them to participate in activities that can be harmful, such as underage drinking. If there is tension in the household, teens may also seek an escape through alcohol use. The following are signs of teen alcohol abuse to be aware of:
- Drastic mood changes – Mood swings can be typical during adolescence, so do not be quick to assume that your child is drinking if they seem moody or irritable. You may wish to talk to them about seeing a counselor who can help them work through the ups and downs of teen life.
- Isolation – Some teens may hole up in their bedrooms for many hours on end with little to no contact with the outside world. This could mean they are drinking in secret or trying to avoid contact with you so that you cannot smell alcohol on their breath. However, this could also be a sign of depression.
- Poor school performance – If your child is typically a good student, but their grades have suddenly dropped, there could be alcohol abuse involved. Again, they could also be struggling with their mental health.
- Change in social circle – Teens go through phases where they try to fit in with a different social group, which is sometimes fairly harmless. Other times, they could get involved with a crowd of peers who engage in alcohol abuse.
It can be somewhat difficult to tell if your teen is abusing alcohol since so many of the signs of teen alcohol abuse overlap with mental health conditions.
How to Handle Young Adult Alcohol Abuse
If it turns out that your teen is abusing alcohol, you may be upset with them. Even if you used alcohol yourself as a teen, you probably do not want them to take the same risk. Here are some tips for handling young adult alcohol abuse:
- Try to speak to your teen in a calm, nonjudgmental manner. This can be tough, especially if you are angry about their alcohol use. However, they will be more receptive if you remain calm.
- Express concern rather than anger. Let them know that you do not want to see them get hurt or suffer adverse effects from alcohol abuse.
- Set healthy boundaries. While you want to appear receptive, you do need to set boundaries. It is perfectly acceptable for you to forbid certain behaviors. For example, you can prohibit them from drinking and driving or getting into the car with friends who have been drinking. Remember that you are their parent and not their friend.
- Encourage your teen to get help. Whether they need a therapist or detox, try to get them to understand the necessity of it. Focus on the benefits of the program and getting clean.
Your teen may still become defensive or completely shut down if you try to talk to them about alcohol abuse despite your best efforts. You can always reach out to a therapist or addiction treatment program for support.
Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida: A Safe, Effective Young Adult Detox Center
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we understand that teen alcohol abuse can be frustrating for parents. Knowing how to handle it can also be a challenge. Call us today at 866.294.5306 so we can help guide you through it.