Alcoholism article By Jarret McLean
Though alcoholism is often seen as a disease for depressed adults, alcoholism in teenagers is a growing problem. Studies have shown that the younger a person is when they start drinking, the more likely alcoholism in teenagers is to develop.
The high school years are packed full of pressure. Pressure to get good grades, compete in sports, and the pressure to be popular can all weigh heavily on a young mind. Alcohol becomes a fixture at parties early on, and with the common goal of not just drinking but getting drunk, it shouldn’t be surprising that alcoholism in teenagers is on the rise.
This binge drinking is seen as a rite of passage, and sometimes a weekly occurrence amongst teens. It’s a source of hook-ups, hangouts, and frustration for parents. But as angry as parents may get at teen drinking, they may be unable or unwilling to recognize alcoholism in teenagers, be it their children or their own.
Alcoholism in teenagers is more serious than anyone wants to believe. Some researchers believe there is a correlation between alcoholism in teenagers and suicide. Teens who abuse alcohol may be using it to deal with anxiety, depression, or other mental disorders.
In the United States alone, nearly 2000 people who are under the legal drinking age of 21 die in car crashes related to underage drinking. Some researchers believe there is a direct connection between alcoholism in teenagers and the use of other drugs such as marijuana or cocaine.