Most often than not, parents find it difficult to spot if their teens are showing signs of alcoholism or alcohol dependence. However, symptoms of alcoholism may vary in teens. Adolescents often venture into alcohol due to anxiety, depression, or trauma. For some, it serves as self-medication for teenagers or young adults who are struggling and in pain. Alcoholism also stems from genetics and early alcohol exposure.
Regardless of the cause of the teener's alcohol dependence, experts recommend that the sooner the problem is identified, the earlier the teen can begin treatment to address symptoms and underlying causes of alcoholism.
Signs of Alcoholism
The most obvious signs of alcohol dependence are often physical. Newport Academy shared the following physical symptoms to look out for:
1. Bloodshot eyes
Alcohol abuse could lead to swelling and enlarging of the eyes' tiny blood vessels, making the eyeball look red.
2. Alcohol breath
According to American Addiction Center, drinking alcohol can leave a distinct smell on the breath and even in the skin pores. When people consume alcohol, the body breaks it into acetic acid, which can only metabolize 90 percent of alcohol; hence, the rest is excreted in other ways, such as sweat and urine. The alcohol breath is mainly from the stomach.
3. Slow or slurred speech
Intoxication impacts the brain because it slows down how the brain communicates with the body. Most often, law enforcement personnel and bartenders use slurred speech to indicate a person's inability to drive due to intoxication.
4. Built-up alcohol tolerance
Regular drinking leads to higher tolerance to alcohol. Over time, it results in drinking progressively, eventually leading to alcohol dependence.
5. Turning to alcohol to suppress feelings of anger or sadness
One of the most telling signs of alcohol abuse in teens is the direct link between drinking and a teen's emotional state. A teenager may turn to alcohol to suppress or relieve feelings of anger or sadness. They may also turn to alcohol to cover up the pain, trauma, anxiety, or depression that they are going through.
6. Extreme Mood Swings
People who have too much alcohol may also exhibit extreme mood swings. They may seem combative and aggressive at the time, but sometimes, they would act unusually meek and agreeable. They may also easily lash out or have personality changes, per Rehab After Work.
Read Also: French Drug Company Applies for FDA Approval of First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill in the US
7. Slipping performance in school and extracurricular activities.
One of the red flags of teen alcoholism is slipping grades or increased absence in schools, sports, clubs, or other extracurricular activities. Failing at school can lead to a loss of self-esteem, further worsening the teen's alcohol dependence.
8. Sudden change in friend groups.
A teen dependent on alcohol would seek out peers who drink and turn away old friends who are less interested in alcohol. Since friendships are very influential for teens, your alcoholic child may spend more time with people who would encourage them to drink more.
9. Wanting more privacy and autonomy.
It is usual for teens to want more privacy and autonomy. However, the telltale sign is when the teener becomes more secretive, such as lying about their whereabouts, avoiding the parents, or going straight to the room after school rather than spending time with the family. Other signs would include having empty alcohol bottles hidden in the room.
