Wednesday, April 2, 2003Teen Alcohol Use
Up to seven percent of adolescents are considered alcoholic or dependent on alcohol. In today’s Sixty Second Housecall, Dr. Ken Davis tells us about the dangers of teen drinking and what parents can do about it.
The use of alcohol and other drugs among teenagers is a major concern for parents. Preteens and teens often drink to fit in with their peers. They may also start to drink alcohol to block out emotional problems or escape from the stresses of everyday teen life.
Although not all teens who drink become dependent on alcohol, dependence is a real danger when a person starts drinking at a young age. Alcohol can also affect a teen's general health, physical growth, emotional development and school performance. It can also put his life in danger by increasing the likelihood of making poor choices, such as drinking and driving.
Your child will be less likely to use alcohol and other drugs if he is involved in healthy activities. Encourage your child to develop his or her talents in sports or hobbies.
Prevention is the best way to deal with preteen and teen alcohol use. Know the signs of alcohol and drug use and where to go for help if a problem develops. For more information, log onto wtva.com and click on Sixty Second Housecall. For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.