It’s just alcohol, what’s the harm?  That’s what some people think about adolescent drinking in general.   Even more people may think that about having their child drink with them in their home.  Unfortunately, alcohol can cause significant problems in adolescent drinkers. 

Why can alcohol be harmful?

First, alcohol contributes to motor vehicle crashes, which is the leading cause of adolescent death in the US.  It also has an affect on suicides.  

Second, being intoxicated leads to poor choices.  Adolescents who drink are more likely to take other drugs, have unsafe sex, violent behaviors, and school problems.  

Third, alcohol actually interferes with brain development.  We all know that brain development starts as a fetus, but many people don’t realize that it isn’t complete until a person reaches about 25 years old.  And, unfortunately, the last thing to develop is the area that gives us executive function.  This is the area that helps us plan, curb impulsivity, and regulate emotions, among other things.  The developing brain is more sensitive to the toxins and addictive effects.  

Who is more likely to develop problems with alcohol?

Children and adolescents, due to their developmental stages, are more likely to binge drink.  Binge drinking can be defined as 5 or more drinks in a row within 2 hours for adults.  For all children 9-13 years old, and girls it can be as little as three drinks in 2 hours.  This generally brings the blood alcohol level to 0.08%, which is legally intoxicated.    

Binge drinking can lead to damage in the areas of the brain that control impulsivity, which may lead to more drinking.  And, the earlier a child starts drinking, the more likely they are to become alcohol dependent (40.6% if started at 12 years old, and 10.6% if started at 21 years old) or alcohol abusers (8.3% if started at 12 years old, and 4.8% if started at 21 years old). 

Those with untreated mental health disorders may use alcohol as a way to treat themselves for what they feel and experience.  

Having a parent or other caregiver with a drinking disorder increases risk in a few ways.  First, a parent can pass down the increased likelihood of drinking and addiction.  Secondly, there is often a lack of oversight, and a general atmosphere of permissiveness to drinking.

How can I protect my child?

Make sure your child knows you do not want them to drink until age 21.  Don’t let them drink at home, and remind them about not drinking when they go out.  Help them navigate interactions with friends.

If you think your child has a mental health disorder, get them appropriate help.  Proper treatment is better than treating themselves with alcohol.

If you think your child has a drinking disorder, get them help.  Support them as they are treated.

Bottom line.

Giving children and adolescents alcohol doesn’t teach them to drink responsibly.  It may just teach them to have an alcohol problem.    

Links.

Underage drinking at cdc.gov.

What is executive function?

A parent’s guide to teen parties.

What every parent should know about alcohol.