Source : jenny downing

Any parent with a teenage child knows the dangers of peer pressure and the need to recognise signs in teenagers that indicate a problem. Numerous studies have proven that the majority of teenagers have at least tried alcohol by the age of 14 and the statistics of alcohol abuse among teenagers are reaching unacceptable levels. For this reason it is vital that parents be able to recognise the symptoms of alcohol abuse before it’s too late to do anything about.
 
Nowadays it is not uncommon to hear of young teenagers going in and out of rehab, being arrested for driving under the influence and engaging in all types of dangerous behaviour because of alcohol. The symptoms of alcohol abuse in teenagers are similar to that of adults. The most common symptoms are lying, making excuses, breaking curfew, staying in their room, becoming verbally or physically abusive toward others, having items in their possession that are connected to alcohol use, the smell of alcohol on their breath or body, mood swings, stealing, and changes in friends.
 
In teens whose bodies are still developing and do not have any alcohol tolerance the problem of alcohol poisoning is particularly rife and potentially deadly. It is caused by alcohol slowing down the body’s functions such as breathing, heart rate, and gag reflex, thereby potentially leading to choking, coma, stopped breathing, stopped heart, and death.
 
Parents should speak openly to their teenagers about alcohol and it’s dangers. Even though parents can’t prevent their teenagers from experimenting with alcohol, they can encourage good drinking habits.