As much as parents and other adults may try to prevent teens from drinking alcohol, the legal limits and “scare factors” are not always enough to prevent experimentation during this unpredictable age. The fact of the matter is that, despite intervention, teens can get their alcohol from ridiculously easy sources: their homes. Even more shocking, some studies have shown how some parents provide alcohol to these underage drinkers. As part of a recent study conducted by the American Medical Association, officials considered how teenagers are easily accessing this drug and (most importantly) considered what behaviors surround this practice. Let’s take a closer look at this unfortunate situation and find out how teens can obtain alcohol from this easy source.
Parents and Booze
As indicated earlier, some parents supply teens with booze, which has completely unnerved the researchers conducting these studies. Dr. J. Edward Hill (president of the American Medical Association) explains how discovering that teenage girls have easy access to booze is one major issue. Discovering that parents are the source of these alcohol problems is a whole new animal. In the poll, researchers assessed teenagers (13 to 18 years of age) and reported that 50% of these subjects obtained booze from their parents (a disturbing reality, undoubtedly).
Ignoring Existing Policies
As part of the adult poll, about 1 out of 4 parents in the United States strongly believe that teens should experiment with alcohol in the presence of their mothers and fathers. Ultimately, federal laws are designed to ensure young people are not exposed to this dangerous drug. However, when parents are feeding alcohol to their kids, this brings the problem of alcohol use disorder into an entirely new light.
Secret Stash of Booze
On the other hand, about two-thirds of the teen subjects explained how they obtained alcohol without their parents’ knowledge. In fact, one-third of these young adults confirmed they could sneak the alcohol with their parents present, with the rate increasing to 40% in the presence of friends’ parents. If anything, as Dr. Hill points out, this issue demonstrates how mothers and fathers can only do so much to protect their teens from alcohol problems.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from substance abuse or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.
