MAIN Health Diseases Alcoholism Teen Drinking

Stress, depression, boredom, peer pressure, or just the classic stages of teen rebellion play a big part in teenage alcohol abuse.

Due to the ready availability of alcohol, it remains the drug of choice among teenagers. The highest rates of underage drinking occur in rural areas, where teens outside the big cities may turn to alcohol as a main source of recreation and entertainment. Urban teens, on other hand, are more apt to succumb to peer pressure in an attempt to increase their neighborhood "cool" quotient. By the time they reach college drinking age, teens face yet another round of proving themselves in all-night jello shot contests or in bouts of binge drinking.

82.8 percent of adults who drink today admit to having their first drink of alcohol before age 21, a none-too-surprising fact. However, the problem for teenagers, their teachers and parents becomes clearer when the more shocking statistic is brought to light: that the three leading causes of fatalities among teenagers — drunk driving, suicides and homicides — are all strongly connected to alcohol consumption.

If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there is plenty of help available online, where you can stop by a friendly forum or chat to talk with parents or teens about beating the alcohol blues, find related facts, stats and research, or get expert advice and tips on avoiding the very real dangers of teen alcohol abuse...

The Cool Spot - Cool, interactive Flash presentation geared to teens with facts on alcohol, how to resist peer pressure, polls and quizzes, related links.

MADD Online - Under 21 - Clear, straightforward facts for teenage guys and girls, how alcohol affects the brain and body, common myths about alcohol, plus special sections for parents, teachers and college students, related links.

Teen Alcohol and Drug Abuse - Geared to parents, with an overview and basic facts, prevention strategies, when to see a health professional, finding the right treatment, and related links and resources from WebMD.

Teenshealth - Alcohol - Good discussion on alcohol's effects, dangers of alcohol poisoning, how to avoid drinking, where to get help for problem drinking, plus resources for coping with parents who drink, related links.

Alateen - Part of the Al-Anon program for helping teens cope with the pressures and emotions of dealing with alcoholism in parents, relatives, friends or other teens, and offering tips, advice, online newsletter, meeting information.

also see in Alcoholism -> Alcoholism Research | College Drinking

Drunk Driving | Family Resources | Meetings, Support

Symptoms & Treatment

also see -> Depression | Teens | Teen Health

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.