Teen drinking: Psychologist explains why alcohol tempts adolescents and warning signs parents miss | Exclusive
New Delhi: Adolescence is a time of curiosity, peer pressure and experimentation, and alcohol can look like an easy shortcut to confidence, adulthood or relief from stress. Because the teenage brain is still developing, especially the part that governs decisions and risk, drinking at this age can have lasting effects.
In an exclusive communication to News9 Digital, Arpita Kohli, Psychologist & Counsellor, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, discusses why teenagers start drinking, the link between early drinking and later alcohol problems, emotional triggers, warning signs for parents, how to talk to teenagers, when to seek professional help and the effects of alcohol on adolescents. Read here for her advice.
Why teenagers start drinking alcohol
Discussing why alcohol appeals to teenagers, Arpita Kohli said, “For teenagers, alcohol can be very enticing since this is the period when teenagers tend to be curious, seek peer approval and experiment. For some teens, alcohol is seen as a tool for making them seem like adults, gaining confidence while socialising or getting temporary respite from their pressures in life.”
Explaining the role of the brain, she added, “Teenagers’ brains are yet to fully develop, especially the part of the brain that controls making decisions and evaluating risks, among other things.”
Early drinking and future alcohol problems
On the long-term risk, Arpita said, “The fact that someone starts drinking at an early age increases the chances that one might get alcohol problems in the future. It should be known that just because someone starts drinking at a young age does not mean that he or she will definitely develop alcoholism.”
Emotional triggers behind teenage drinking
Talking about emotions, Arpita explained, “Emotions can also cause a big problem. Those teenagers who have problems with anxiety, depression, loneliness, bullying, troubles at home or school can start using alcohol because they think that it makes them feel better. However, this feeling does not last long.”
Warning about the effect on mood, she said, “The use of alcohol can increase sleep problems, anxiety and depressed moods, thus making it necessary for a teenager to drink in order to feel better.”
Signs of teenage alcohol use parents should watch
Advising parents on what to look for, Arpita said, “Parents should be aware of any changes in behaviour, decline in grades, being secretive, mood swings, neglecting duties, changing friends and frequent alcohol use. This does not mean that the child becomes addicted, however any changes must be taken into account.”
How to talk to teenagers about alcohol
Discussing how parents should respond, Arpita advised, “The most effective way is to discuss the problem calmly and reasonably. It is wrong to begin with blaming and threats; instead, parents should ask questions, listen and make their child understand what dangers alcohol brings.”
She added, “Creating such an atmosphere in which children can talk about peer pressure or experimenting can be useful in preventing the problem.”
When to seek professional help
Cautioning against taking occasional drinking lightly, Arpita said, “Experimentation once in a while does not mean that one has nothing to worry about, especially when the individual is a teenager. The indicators for seeking professional help include drinking repeatedly, drinking to manage emotions, experiencing blackouts, craving, losing control or continuing to drink despite negative consequences.”
Effects of alcohol on teenagers’ health
Explaining the health impact, Arpita said, “Substance abuse has a variety of impacts on adolescents. These include impairment of judgement, coordination, memory and concentration, and may result in accidents, injuries, unsafe behaviour and poor decision making.”
She warned, “Drinking alcohol excessively or regularly may inhibit brain development, thereby affecting learning and emotional management. Substance abuse may also worsen the condition of an individual suffering from anxiety and depression and increase their risk of addiction.”
On mixing substances, Arpita cautioned, “Mixing drinking with other drugs is particularly dangerous because it may cause poisoning, respiratory distress and loss of consciousness.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on the research and inputs shared by the doctors mentioned above and is intended for informational purposes only. The findings should not be considered medical advice or used for self-diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance.