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Information for Parents
Warning Signs of Teenage Alcohol & Drug Abuse |
NEW CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH Information for parents, teachers and students. Research using brain imaging shows drinking for adolescents(12-26) is linked to: deficits in memory and poor performance on tests of learning, planning and thinking. Large areas of the brain did not become active during thinking and memory tasks. The consequences may last long after alcohol use ends. Brains of adolescents who drink are approximately 10% smaller than those who don't drink. Hangovers are actually reactions to poisoning. Ethanol literally poisons the body. The metabolic byproduct of alcohol is called "acetaldehyde". Acetaldehyde is a toxin. Alcohol is a stomach irritant and by the way, so is ibuprofen.
- Youth who drink before age 15 are 4 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21.
- Youth who drink before age 14 are 7 times more likely to report having been in an alcohol-related auto accident than those who begin drinking at age 21.
Warning signs of teenage alcohol and Drug abuse may include:
- Physical: fatigue, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes, a lasting cough
- Emotional: personality change, sudden mood changes, irritability, irresponsible behavior, low self-respect, poor judgment, sadness, and a general lack of interest.
- Family: starting arguments, breaking rules, or withdrawing from the family.
- School: Decreased interests, negative attitude, drop in grades, many absences, truancy, and discipline problems.
- Social problems: new friends who are less interested in standard home and school activities, problems with the law, and changes to less conventional styles in dress and music.
Visit the latest feature of the STAN web, "Did you know?"- Notes for Parents from Counselor Rolla Bradley