Alcoholism is the leading cause of unproductivity among teenagers in the modern world. Reduced creative thinking and early deaths resulting from excessive alcohol consumption have raised concerns among stakeholders. The rising rate of alcohol dependency has led to an influx in the number of teenagers in alcohol treatment programs. However, the programs and institutions established to battle alcoholism are getting overwhelmed.
Causes of Alcoholism in Teenagers
There are many causes of alcoholism among teenagers today. While some of these causes can be regulated, others are inevitable. Understanding the causes of alcoholism makes it easier to address the problem and spearhead change in the right direction. Significant causes of alcoholism among teenagers include:
- Peer pressure- Teenagers are in a phase of growth where they are intrigued by diverse aspects. The need to fit in and look like the rest has led most of them into alcoholism. The popularization and lavish branding of alcoholic drinks entice teenagers into consumption. Additionally, teenagers have access to a lot of information thanks to the internet and social media. Seeing other teenagers engage in alcoholism in different parts of the world encourages non-drinkers to follow suit.
- Family influence- The environment in which one is brought up shapes their character. Teenagers living with alcoholic family members or guardians are likely to engage in alcoholism. If alcohol is kept within their reach, they tend to taste it with or without caregivers’ consent.
- Depression- Mental health has been a key concern by many organizations and individuals over the past few years. Depression is one of the most common mental health complications among teenagers. As a teenager, one is constantly searching to find what they would want to do in life. In many cases, teenagers’ decisions are overlooked by their seniors. The lack of freedom to engage in what they wish causes stress and depression. Lack of safe spaces to open up leads them into alcoholism to mask their troubles.
- Rebellion- Some teenagers are generally rebellious. The gratification in breaking rules leads them into alcoholism since they are advised against it. In some cases, teenagers take alcohol as a way of getting back to their caregivers in case of a conflict. Alcohol gives teenagers the aggressiveness and courage to rule without thinking of the consequences that might follow.
- Boredom- Teenagers who can’t tolerate loneliness or being idle crave excitement by engaging in different activities. Idleness initiates the desire to engage in alcoholism and abuse of other substances. Alcohol helps the internal emptiness they feel and gives them a common ground to interact with other teens who could be into alcoholism.
- Misinformation- The circulation of inaccurate and insufficient information about alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of alcoholism among teenagers. Alcohol brands have created a high-class impression of alcohol consumption. This encourages teenagers to consume alcohol to feel like they belong to a certain class. Additionally, inadequate information about the adverse impacts of alcohol consumption is supplied by alcohol manufacturers.
There are many other causes of alcoholism among teenagers. These causes are directly or indirectly related to affected parties. The impacts of alcoholism on teenagers are similar to those of adults. Therefore, teenagers battling alcoholism should be given the support they need.
Limiting Alcoholism Among Teenagers
Several initiatives have been taken by the government and other concerned organizations to combat alcoholism among teenagers. Other than the establishment of alcohol treatment facilities, policies have been formulated to regulate access to alcohol. However, the implementation of these policies is still not to the maximum. For instance, only individuals with an ID can purchase alcohol from stores; but there is no regulation on where and when the alcohol should be consumed. Most teenagers access alcohol with the help of adults and consume it in secrecy.
Various organizations are carrying out mental health conversations. Creating safe spaces where teenagers can open up and be supported eliminates alcoholism as a way to cover up emotions. The intervention by the government to provide information about the adverse impacts of alcoholism has played an essential role. Understanding the health and mental degradation caused by alcohol discourages teenagers from drinking. Various stakeholders have provided spaces where teenagers can make use of their creativity and talents. Engaging their minds eliminates chances of alcohol consumption due to boredom.
