In spite of your best efforts to guide your teen, they may have inadvertently stumbled into a spiral of alcohol use and dependence, leaving them with alcohol use disorder. This isn’t your fault, nor is it your teen’s—this kind of thing happens to the best of us. But what comes next? Experts from Clearfork Academy in Texas say that one of the best ways parents can help a teen with alcohol addiction is to listen and empathize.
The Harm Alcohol Can Cause
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, underage drinking is one of the leading causes of death in Americans under the age of 21. Alcohol is especially harmful to teenagers because it increases the risk of injury, death, physical or sexual assault, and additional substance abuse problems later in life.
Research has also shown that alcohol impairs brain development, potentially altering structure and function permanently, but in spite of the dangers, teenagers may still engage in underage drinking due to peer pressure, stress, mental illness, or the desire for independence.
Talking To Your Teen
Because alcohol is so harmful for teenagers, you should definitely try to intervene the moment you realize your child has an alcohol addiction, but you also have to take the right approach. Conversations initiated during calm, private moments are more likely to be productive than those started in public spaces, when the teen is already drinking, or other situations where the teen may feel cornered or ashamed.
During this conversation, highlight your concern rather than expressing shame or judgment and make an effort to listen to your teen’s perspective. Instead of telling them they need to stop drinking, ask them how they’ve been feeling lately and whether they’re going through something difficult. You’d be surprised at how open a teen will be if they know they’re not being punished.
That said, empathy isn’t a free pass. Once everything is out in the open and you’ve reached an understanding with your teen, set clear boundaries and consequences for drinking. You should also encourage your teen to accept professional support, as this will help them recover and return to sober living.
Outpatient or Inpatient?
Not every teen will require the same amount of care for their alcohol addiction, but most will benefit from teen-specific rehab. Heavier or dependent drinkers may need a supervised medical detox followed by a residential treatment program. During these programs, teens with severe alcohol use disorder will stay in a safe and structured environment and have access to evidence-based therapies that can address factors that contributed to their addiction; they will also learn healthier coping skills that can help prevent relapse beyond treatment.
For teens with a milder addiction, outpatient treatments are often sufficient. They’re also more affordable and flexible, allowing your child to continue with schoolwork and other obligations as they get treatment.
Beyond treatment, consider having your teen join support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. This will help them foster connections with peers, which can aid in long-term sobriety.
Regardless of what your teen needs, don’t try to handle the issue on your own. Alcohol addiction is a serious disease, and youths who get professional care for it will have the highest chances of recovery.
Clearfork Academy
info@clearforkacademy.com
+1-888-430-5149
7820 Hanger Cutoff Road
Fort Worth
TX
76135
United States
