Underage drinking has always been a hot topic in our society. Adolescents struggling to cope with life’s challenges often use alcohol to forget their troubles. But underage drinking can be very dangerous for physical and mental health conditions. As a parent or a concerned adult, it’s essential to understand why teens drink.
To learn more about underage drinking causes, contact Zelus Recovery at 208.518.0797 today. Our alcohol abuse treatment in Boise, Idaho, is designed to help individuals identify their triggers and develop healthy coping skills.
Causes of Underage Drinking
There are several common underage drinking causes:
1. Peer Pressure
Teenagers often feel the need to fit in with their peers, and sometimes consuming alcohol is how they gain social acceptance. Alcohol consumption is often considered a rite of passage, and teens might feel left out if they don’t participate in it. Educating your children about saying “NO” to peer pressure is essential, and they can always find other friends who share similar interests.
2. Traumatic Life Events
Traumatic life events such as family issues, a recent breakup, or other events that cause emotional distress can cause an individual to turn to alcohol to numb pain. These events can be severe for young adults, and their developing brains and social interactions might not be equipped to handle them. Parents need to be extra vigilant in watching for significant life changes that might cause adolescents to start drinking.
3. Low Self Esteem
Low self-esteem can cause an individual to seek validation and acceptance from others, including their social groups. By drinking alcohol, teens might feel more confident and outgoing, increasing their popularity within the group. It’s essential to build strong self-esteem in young individuals, which might reduce their dependency on other people’s validation.
4. Boredom
Teenagers might feel bored, and if they don’t have anything to do, they might turn to alcohol to pass the time. Parents can prevent this by providing their children with a healthy environment that includes after-school activities, sports, and hobbies. Keeping young minds occupied with positive activities that promote mental wellness is important.
5. Curiosity
Finally, adolescents might experiment with alcohol out of curiosity. Young adults might be curious about alcohol and the effects it can have on the body. This is a more dangerous cause of underage drinking, as they might not be aware of the consequences or how to consume alcohol safely. It’s vital for parents to talk to their children about the dangers of drinking and to set clear boundaries.
Benefits of Adolescent Drinking Treatment
Adolescent drinking treatment can provide a variety of benefits to young individuals. Treatment can help teens:
- Learn more about the risks and consequences of alcohol consumption
- Become more aware of their personal triggers that lead to drinking
- Identify healthy coping skills to help them deal with stress
- Develop better communication and relationship skills
- Find healthier ways to interact with their peers
- Improve problem-solving and decision-making skills
Overall, adolescent drinking treatment is essential for young individuals struggling with alcohol misuse.
Heal From the Causes of Underage Drinking at Zelus Recovery
At Zelus Recovery, we understand the individual needs of adolescents and provide specialized adolescent drinking treatment tailored to each person’s unique situation. We use evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy to help young adults identify their triggers and develop healthy coping skills.
Underage drinking can have serious consequences, both in the short and long term. It’s essential for parents and adults to educate young individuals about the consequences of drinking and provide guidance to handle life’s challenges. Contact us today at 208.518.0797 to learn about our addiction treatment options. Our treatment addresses the root cause of issues while providing young individuals with the life skills needed to succeed in life.
