Asana Recovery

TEENS AND ALCOHOL

WOMAN DIES IN MEXICO AFTER CONSUMING METHANOL-SPIKED DRINK

Underage drinking is a serious problem in the United States. Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances and often leads to dependency or the use of drugs. Nearly every teen in the United States will be offered alcohol at one point or another. It is important for teens to know the truths about alcohol and the potentially devastating effects it can have on your mind, body, and life. Although drinking may be glorified as a fun way to pass time, it can have dire and sometimes fatal consequences on every aspect of your life.

Alcohol can have a damaging effect on your body. Some of the most common effects reported by individuals consuming alcohol before the age of 21 are:

–     Memory problems and lowered inhibitions. Individuals have a difficult time remember things they did while under the influence. A loss of inhibitions leads to poor decision making that can have lasting consequences.

–     Inability to make sound decisions. A person under the influence is less likely to make sound and rational decisions. Instead, they are more likely to engage in unprotected sex, get in fights, or drive while intoxicated.

–     Lack of coordination and physical control. Individuals often experience blurred vision, slurred speech, and a loss of balance.

–     Death. When a person drinks too much, they can pass out and lose the ability to control their reflexes. As a result, gagging and breathing may become suppressed, creating a fatal situation if a person vomits in their sleep or stops breathing.

Underage drinking causes thousands of deaths each year for individuals under the age of 21.  These deaths include:

–          1580 car accidents caused by drinking and driving

–          1269 murders while under the influence of alcohol

–          245 deaths from alcohol poisoning, burns, drowning, or falls while intoxicated

–          492 suicides while under the influence of alcohol

Short-term consumption of alcohol intoxication in teens can have a damaging impact on the brain. Teens who consume alcohol may have difficulties making sound decisions. It is difficult for individuals to determine if their behavior is risky or inappropriate. As a result, teens are more likely to engage in driving under the influence, sexual activities, and violent behavior.  

Routine alcohol consumption can have a lasting impact on teens as well. They may have difficulties learning and processing information and they are at an increased risk of developing alcohol use disorders later in life. Heavy drinking can damage the liver and can be fatal.  

If your child or someone you know has a problem with underage drinking, it is important to let them know that there is still hope. At Asana Recovery, we see patients every day who deal with alcohol abuse disorders that often begin when they are in their teens. It is important that an individual properly detoxes and gets the help they need. A thorough inpatient rehab program can help an alcohol develop skills necessary to live a successful sober life.

Call us today at (949) 438-4504 to get help with treating your alcohol abuse disorder today.