Adolescent drinking can be caused not only by various objective factors, such as social, economical, family, and educational conditions but also by the personal characteristics of an individual. Teenagers prone to alcoholism are characterized by a lack of decision-making, increased egocentrism, lack of social interests, and separation from adults (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2018). They are vulnerable, aggressive, and unable to withstand external influences. This paper aims to analyze risk factors and interventions for adolescent drinking. Problems with the mental or physical health of the individual are also discussed.
Many studies have placed relationships with parents at the center of the causes of alcoholism in adolescents. Family-related risk factors for adolescent alcoholism include domestic violence, lack of family cohesion, poor discipline, frequent conflicts, low educational level of parents, and the use of alcohol by family members. Poor school performance can also become a risk factor since it leads to depression and forms an inferiority complex, which often results in drinking alcohol (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2018). Moreover, adolescent alcohol addiction often occurs in the company of drinking friends. Thus, communication with people who regularly drink alcohol and a lack of resistance to peer pressure can be strong risk factors.
To avoid teenage depression, which can lead to alcohol drinking, parents should communicate with their children. The lack of communication with wise parents and teachers forces the teenager to turn to other people (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2018). Paying attention to the young person’s feelings, demonstrating interest in the child’s pastime, listening to his or her point of view can help an adolescent feel needed. Besides showing the rejection of alcohol by personal example, parents should also try to organize leisure together with a child or do joint activities. Mutual interests and understanding can become the most effective means of protection of a teenager against alcohol.
Adolescent alcoholism mainly depends on psychological factors and the influence of family and social environment. Parents can either create risk factors for the formation of alcohol dependence in adolescents or be a protective mechanism against addictive behavior. To encourage teens to avoid underage drinking, it is important to form a negative attitude to alcohol in the family and at school.
Reference
Kail, R. V., & Cavanaugh, J. C. (2018). Human development: A life-span view. Cengage Learning.