The Issue of Teenage Alcoholism and Its Specialized Treatment

Introduction

Teenage alcoholism is a serious problem. One study found that more than three million teens are alcoholics. Despite the numbers, however, there is much that can be done about teen alcoholism. Teen alcoholism is a very treatable condition.

Teenage alcoholism requires specialized treatment, however. Many treatment centers treat both teens and adults, but these may not be the best places for teens to get help. Teens face different issues than adults, and they also respond in different ways to different types of treatment.

Here are some types of treatment that have proven effective for teens.

Types of treatment

Group Counseling

Teens respond very well to group counseling. Individual counseling may be helpful as well, but teens often lack the capacity for the introspection that is often the goal of that type of counseling. It can also be difficult to get them to open up in a one-on-one situation.

In group counseling, however, teens can support one another. Even teens that are reluctant to speak are generally convinced by their peers to participate. With the right facilitation, a sort of “positive peer pressure” can be created, in which teens can encourage each other to abstain from alcohol.

Group sessions are also good places to provide teens with skills that they need in order to avoid alcohol use. These include problem-solving skills and stress management skills.

Education About Teenage Alcoholism

Education is an extremely important part of the treatment of teenage alcoholism. Teens rarely understand the dangers of drinking alcohol. They need to be educated about the health risks they face when they drink. Because teens tend to feel they are invincible, they sometimes do not feel these risks apply to them. Sometimes speaking with another teen that has experienced serious health problems related to drinking can help.

Teens also need to be educated about the laws regarding underage drinking. It is illegal in all states to drink if you are under the age of 21. In many states, underage drinking can result in the loss of a driver’s license. Studies have shown that can be a powerful deterrent for many teens.

Academic Education

Teens suffering from alcoholism are quite often behind academically. Their drinking has interfered with their schooling. They need to catch up to their peers so that school is no longer a stressor and they can graduate on time.

Family Counseling

Family counseling is a crucial part of the treatment for teen alcoholism. Family relationships are generally quite strained by the time a teen goes for treatment. Teens who drink heavily usually withdraw from their families. They become defensive when family members express concern about their behavior. Parents and other family members don’t know how to deal with the teens’ behavior and react with anger.

Family counseling is geared at repairing these relationships. Parents and teens need to learn healthy communication skills. Family members need to learn how best to support teens in recovery.

Family members often need to be educated about the disease of teen alcoholism, as well. They often have many misconceptions about the disease, which will impede the relationship with the teens.

Medical Treatment

Fortunately, most teens seeking treatment for teenage alcoholism have not been drinking long enough to have developed serious health problems related to drinking. However, some have, and a thorough medical evaluation is in order.

Teens that have been drinking heavily may also need to detox. Detoxing should always be done under medical supervision.

As you can see, there are a number of components to the treatment of teen alcoholism. These components work together to treat the physical, mental, and social problems associated with the disease.