When a teenager is exhibiting odd behavior, it can be a concern for any parent. Changes to a teenager’s behaviors may not always be related to substance abuse. However, parents must learn to recognize the dangers associated with alcohol abuse and to discuss those concerns with your children. Drinking alcohol at a young age can increase the risk of dying or experiencing severe health concerns. At Destinations for Teens, we know how alcohol increases death among teenagers and how to treat alcohol abuse.
Engaging in Risky Behaviors
According to Kid’s Health, almost 80 percent of high school students have tried drinking alcohol at least one time. When a teenager abuses alcohol, he or she may engage in risky or dangerous behaviors that can cause injuries or even death. Science Daily reports that alcohol can alter the chemistry of a teenager’s brain and may even cause long-term effects that persist into adulthood. Regular alcohol abuse during the teen years can alter an individual’s ability to make decisions and increases the risk of abusing alcohol in the future. According to the Nationals Institutes of Health, teenagers who abuse alcohol are more likely to engage in behaviors that will give them a thrill. They may try other substances, engage in unsafe sexual activities, or behave in impulsive ways. Depending on the behavior, the risk of death or severe injury can vary.
Alcohol Increases Death Through Alcohol Poisoning
Using alcohol at a young age increases the risk of problem drinking in the future. When an individual abuses alcohol regularly, he or she may engage in binge drinking. This is when an individual drinks five or more drinks in one sitting. For a girl, binge drinking occurs after she has had at least four drinks at one time. Alcohol poisoning occurs when an individual drinks a large amount of alcohol in a very short period. Signs of alcohol poisoning include:
- Clammy skin
- Falling into unconsciousness
- Breathing that is slow and halting
- A strong scent of alcohol
It is important to seek immediate medical attention when a teenager is showing signs of alcohol poisoning. If medical attention is not obtained promptly, the risk of death increases.
Alcohol Increases Death By Raising Suicide Risk
Alcohol is a depressant, and it can hurt self-image, self-confidence, and emotional health. Some individuals can develop feelings of depression or severe anxiety after abusing alcohol. Thus, there is an increased risk of suicide when a teenager abuses alcohol. There are a variety of risks associated with alcohol abuse. This particularly true when teens abuse alcohol. Alcohol can alter the way that an individual thinks or behaves. In the case of children and teenagers, it may even change the way that the brain develops. It is important to discuss the risks of alcohol abuse with any teenager in your family to help reduce the risk of an alcohol-related death or injury. To learn more about how alcohol can increase the likelihood of teenage death and how we can help. Destinations for Teens has locations and facilities that can get you or your loved one the attention needed to recover from alcohol abuse. Contact us at 877.466.0620.