What do teenagers drink from alcohol. Alcohol and a teenager: the effect of alcohol on a growing body, consequences, prevention
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Let's start, as expected, from the beginning - from the very first bells that should alert parents. The sooner we notice something is wrong, the easier it will be to keep the child from rash actions.
Signs that should not be ignored:
- Sudden change in behavior: stealth, stealing, lying, irritation.
- Often stays out at night. He came back drunk several times.
- You can detect surfactants and devices.
- Changes in physical condition: increased activity, agitation or, conversely, constant drowsiness, prolonged sleep - more than 12 hours.
- A sharp change in appetite (gluttony or nothing to eat).
- Change in the condition of the eyes - dilation or narrowing of the pupils, lack of reaction to light; Red eyes.
- Slurred, slurred, too fast or drawn out speech.
- Outbursts of anger, tearfulness, unexpected, inappropriate behavior.
- Stories about "one friend" who tried something.
Of course, it is very difficult for loving parents to accept that this can happen to their child. But the longer a parent denies the obvious, the worse the consequences can be. So take off your rose-colored glasses, discard shame and senseless self-flagellation and remember what not to do.
Incorrect reactions of parents:
- Ignore the problem, pretend that nothing is happening. This is a defensive reaction, a desire to hide, an inability to accept reality.
- Screaming, shaming and accusing.
- Punish, deprive of pleasure. All the same defensive reaction, but in other forms. But it is important to understand: the worse the relationship in the family, the stronger the desire to escape from reality.
- They stop communication. Unfortunately, sometimes for parents, the ideal image of their family turns out to be more important than the child.
- Call friends, discuss with teachers and relatives.
- Control correspondence and communication. It seems that the problem is somewhere "outside" and if you open the circuit, then everything will stop. But this is not so - the problem is inside. Such actions do not give the desired effect.
- They cover and shield, compensate for the damage. A very bad tactic! The more the parent takes on the problems, the worse: the child understands that the pleasure is his, and the consequences are his parents. This only exacerbates the situation.
What to do? Talk openly!
- Ask about the use directly and without pressure. Ask to tell how it started and what is happening now. Give the teenager time to think, not demand an immediate response. Unfortunately, drug use is more likely to occur when relationships with parents are strained, so building a dialogue can be difficult. But there is no other way out - you need to gather your strength and talk kindly.
- Say that you are ready to help, and not throw a tantrum. Try to persuade him to go to a psychologist - family or specializing in this issue. If the situation is neglected, then a narcologist is needed. Do not be afraid of registration - it is set for only three years. Yes, this is an unpleasant event, but it is important to understand that the craving for PAS will not go away on its own.
- To say that there is no catastrophe yet, but there is a big problem. Unfortunately, no one knows how even one dose can end up.
- Ask how the teenager feels about the experience. Find videos with stories of people who have been through it. At the beginning of the journey, the teenager does not realize where this can lead, so you need to show it.
Important: Parents can start family therapy without a teenager. The specialist will help you cope with your own fears and tell you how to be.
And now let's return from the parents and their experiences to the teenager himself.
Where does it all begin?
- "Light" surfactants. The company takes on "weak", they promise guaranteed pleasure. When a child feels bad, he is tired of studying, conflicts in the family and his own insecurity, then it is extremely difficult to refuse such an offer.
- Used occasionally in the company. Gradually it becomes a ritual, a shared secret of the company. There is a common goal - to get more, to go unnoticed. Gradually, this goal crowds out all the others and problems begin. It is at this stage that symptoms usually appear that parents notice. And this is where you need to take action!
- Intoxication is achieved easily. At this stage, the desired effect is no longer achieved. Large doses or heavier surfactants are needed.
- Switching to heavier substances, high doses.
- Drunkenness is becoming the norm. Substance intake on weekdays.
- Lack of interest in learning, lying, stealing, fighting.
- Obvious degradation, noticeable not only to relatives.
Obviously, it is necessary to sound the alarm as early as possible! You need to realize that this is not a matter of one day.
The stages of treatment look like this:
- Detoxification (3-7 days). You can't stop at this stage! Otherwise, a dangerous practice arises: the situation is fixable, you can recover and continue to use it.
- Stabilization (1–3 months). Serious condition: it is difficult to live without artificial joy - reality seems gray and meaningless. During this period, there is a great risk of allowing yourself "A little bit."
- Rehabilitation (1–5 years).
Rehabilitation is different and it depends on the willingness of the teenager to be treated.
Types of rehabilitation programs:
- "12 steps". Step 1 - admitting the problem. When a person realizes that he himself can not cope, phased work begins.
- Fear of punishment. For those who are not ready to admit the problem. Rigid limits are set in which you have to pull yourself together. But it is dangerous to abuse this method! It is better to transfer to a softer program after a month of occupational therapy.
- Christian programs. There are good ones, but you need to choose carefully so as not to fall into a sect.
- therapeutic community. Support is needed not only for the addict, but also for his relatives! After the end of treatment, a long period of adaptation and socialization is needed.
Prepared based on the materials of the webinar “If there is already a problem” as part of the free marathon “Difficult age. How to protect a teenager from negative experiences. The recording of the webinars is available for free at:
According to statistics, 87% of Ukrainian students aged 15 to 17 at least once in their lives. Why does this happen and how to form the correct attitude of the child to alcohol?
Has your child tried alcohol before?A distinction must be made between alcohol consumption and abuse. This is determined by two factors - doses and frequency of their use.
The dose of alcohol consumption is the amount of ethanol that causes a slight intoxication in the human body. According to international standards, this dose is 15-20 milliliters of pure alcohol. If you translate them into milliliters of alcoholic beverages, then this is 150 ml of dry wine, 0.3 liters of beer or cider and 30-40 ml of vodka.
Based on the frequency of consumption and the number of doses, there are five levels of alcohol consumption:
- complete rejection of alcohol;
- the minimum level of use is 1-2 doses every two months;
- moderate level - 1-2 doses 1-2 times a month;
- dangerous level - 3-4 doses 2-4 times a month or 1-2 doses 6-8 times a month;
- prodrome of alcoholism (prodrome is the period of the disease that passes between the stage of "infection", that is, the beginning of consumption, and the disease itself, that is, alcoholism) - 3-4 doses 6-10 times a month.
Alcohol abuse is the use of alcoholic beverages, which causes irreparable harm to the human body.
WHY CHILDREN DRINK ALCOHOL
There are many reasons why teenagers drink alcohol. And most of them are psychological in nature.
- Interest. And the interest is quite healthy. Perhaps you are not enough and that. Or you told him, but you yourself used it more than once with a child. Then he will think: “Since alcohol is a poison, why does mom or dad drink it? Maybe it really isn't that scary?"
- The influence of society. It is important for children to be “their own” in the company, it is important that they are considered “cool”. In this case, it is worth explaining that the level of "coolness" is not measured by drinking. Also teach your child to say "No" and
- Desire to appear older. This is quite a normal desire for teenagers. Perhaps, at this stage of his life, he formed an incorrect opinion about adulthood. Give him the right direction.
- Rebellious spirit. Adolescence is an unpredictable period. It also reflects on . If you have not established contact with a teenager, he may express his protest through alcohol.
- Holidays. To celebrate a birthday or a successful exam, many children will be with alcohol. This indicates the incorrect formation of ideas about the normal celebration of any events.
HOW TO TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT ALCOHOL
It is worth developing a culture of behavior and attitudes towards alcohol from early childhood. Parents need to be shown that drinking before the age of 21 is a sign of irresponsibility, not adulthood. After all, the human body physiologically matures at the age of 21-22, so at an earlier age, alcohol can affect the functioning of the brain, nervous system, liver and gastrointestinal tract. A biological tendency to alcoholism may also develop.
- At 4-5 years old Of course, it is too early to talk directly about alcohol. At this age, begin to instill in your child the ability to take care of health. Explain that health needs to be protected. At 4-5 years old, children perceive the world around them well through emotional coloring, so you can show your child your disapproval emotionally, but not yet lectured on why this is harmful.
- At 6-10 years old instill in children. Teach them to proper nutrition, hygiene, daily routine, various activities - everything that will help maintain health. At the age of 7-8, one can speak more openly about the dangers of drinking alcohol, using specific examples. Try to express your opinion in the presence of a child about buying food and drinks for the holidays and deliberately emphasize your position: there will be little alcohol on the table. Based on 1-2 doses for an adult guest (over 21 years old). Exclude from this list guests who cannot drink due to health or other circumstances (driving, pregnancy). The main thing is to teach your child to understand the difference between alcohol use and abuse.
- At 10-15 years old The child already understands what is good and what is bad. At this age, it is important for parents to teach their child to refuse an offer to drink. The ability to defend one's position is very important, because at this age children often fall under the influence of others.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD COMES HOME DRUNK
No matter how you take care of the child and no matter how much you talk about the dangers of alcohol, sooner or later he will try it. Just deal with it. This can happen under the influence of friends, or he just wants to know what is so bad about alcohol. This is quite normal, because it is much better for a teenager to “pass” it through himself and form his opinion about alcohol based on his experience, and not on your words.
No matter how you take care of the child and no matter how much you talk about the dangers of alcohol, sooner or later he will try it. Just deal with it.
If your child comes home drunk, calm down first. Of course, seeing your child in such a state is unusual. But do not escalate the situation - you will not help with reproaches and scandals. Especially when he is still "under a degree". Make sure that nothing threatens and make him drink water so that he quickly bounces back. Talk to him the next day. Listen to the child, give him the opportunity to explain his act. Despite the unpleasant situation, do not get angry, show that you love and support him, but still do not approve of his act. Again explain the harm done by alcohol.
How to react to parents, is it worth worrying at all?
Physiologically, a teenager is not yet ready to drink alcohol on a par with adults: a rapid restructuring process is taking place in his body, which requires a lot of resources, and the liver enzyme system has not yet been fully formed. Therefore, the disposal of alcohol is slow, and it remains toxic longer. Psychological and physiological characteristics contribute to the fact that adolescents quickly become dependent on alcohol. With daily use of one or two portions of low-alcohol drinks and beer, it will take less than two months for the development of alcoholism. It is important to notice the line when simple entertainment becomes a disease, and help the child return to a normal lifestyle.
What changes should alert parents:
- The smell of alcohol in the evening, and the smell of alcohol in the morning, unusual pungent odors from a child. The frequent presence of the smell of alcohol is a direct indicator of its use. The child can come up with different stories to justify himself, to explain to his parents why he smells. But if you systematically smell alcohol from a child, then most likely it didn’t seem to you. Suspicion should also be aroused by the harsh flavors of mouth freshener, chewing gum, which a teenager can use to overcome the alcohol smell.
- With the systematic use of alcohol, a teenager's behavior changes dramatically, he becomes irritable and aggressive to a greater extent than before.
- You're missing cash, alcohol from the bar. The prohibition of parents on alcohol often does not give the expected result, the teenager believes that he can get it himself. In this case, there is only one way out: do not keep alcohol at home in any form, as well as money in the public domain.
- There were many holidays and legal occasions to drink, the child began to often stay overnight with friends.
- Often in the morning there is no appetite, poor health does not allow going to school, there is vomiting. A hangover syndrome in a teenager will not be any different from that in an adult.
- The child skips school, communicates with bad company. The desire to belong to a certain group of peers, and at the same time stand out is one of the basic needs in adolescence. Drinking in company is much easier: someone will definitely help stock up on alcohol, and drinking in company is an occasion for communication.
How parents can help a teenager
In the case of teenage alcoholism, strict control by parents, teachers, and relatives is important. The child's own will will not be enough, and most likely he will not have the desire to change something. Persuasion is ineffective, but communication on the topic will help to find out the hidden motives of deviant behavior.
What does a teenager get as a bonus from his drinking history? The expression of rebellion and pride in oneself, if the family has too strict rules, with a lack of love - receives pity and attention, in the absence of clear rules in the family and the fear of taking responsibility - seeks control and rigid framework.
Solving the problem of teenage alcoholism requires professional help from a psychologist and narcologist, but the main work should be done by the family, the people closest to the child.
The appointment of special drugs helps to reduce intoxication and restore normal metabolism. Vitamins and amino acids in the treatment regimen improve the recovery process and make it easier to quit alcohol.
- a drug from the amino acid threonine and vitamin B 6 - is prescribed from the first week of treatment to reduce the need for alcohol and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. During the recovery period: it improves the general condition, mood, memory and concentration, helps the teenager to completely give up alcohol.
Once in the life of every parent, there comes a moment when the question: "A teenager and alcohol - how to protect, how to teach, how to prevent disaster" becomes as relevant as possible. And every parent remembers himself many years ago, his first glass of port wine / a glass of vodka / a glass of wine, frowns (why does memory save THIS at all?) and agrees - it is unlikely that he will be able to jump over five cells - in this quest the child must gain his experience. You just have to survive. However, everyone understands “survive” in their own way.
Instead of a preface
The LittleOne editors conducted a survey and learned that more than half (55%) of respondents agreed with the statement: “My parents poured half a glass of wine for the holidays since I was 15, and I will follow in their footsteps. It’s better to let him taste good alcohol at home than bad alcohol in the alley.” A little less than half of the respondents (40%) are much more categorical: “Children under 18 should not consume anything stronger than kefir! I myself do not drink and do not advise anyone! 4% of respondents shifted the responsibility for dealing with alcohol onto the shoulders of the younger generation: “Let a teenager decide for himself whether to drink or not to drink. For me, it’s better to drink than to inject! ”, And only 1% admitted:“ Yes, I bought (bought) alcohol for my child and I don’t hide it! As it is right - no one will say. And we will not undertake to advise. And our expert psychologists Alexander Roitman, Lyudmila Borodina, Natalya Lobanova do not give advice - when answering parents' questions, they rather express their private opinion.
Alcohol education. Is there such a letter in your word?
Ludmila Borodina:“From the age of ten or twelve, I told my sons why people drink, for example, that after a glass of champagne I feel more cheerful and stress goes away. She said that each organism has its own reaction to alcohol and therefore it is better to try alcohol at home. Explained why drunk people become noisy. She divided the use of alcohol into categories: alcohol - as an occasion: a party, an acquaintance, a birthday - and here it is important to stop in time, and alcohol, the use of which states an exorbitant level of stress that the body cannot withstand. She explained that alcohol is more easily established in people's lives if the number of negative emotions is many times higher than positive ones. At the same time, I offered alternative ways to relieve stress, introduced new interests into the lives of my sons, and tried to be “included” in their lives.”
Alexander Roitman:“From childhood I knew that alcohol is a dope for communication, I knew that a man simply must be able to drink. That alcohol implies a culture of drinking, that you need to know how much you can drink, when to stop, you need to know what you can combine with what. I saw that men often solve their men's issues, and at the same time there is alcohol on the table. I looked at my dad and grandfather, and chose my own way to behave at the table. I understood that it was necessary not just to drink, but to manage the table, to be an intellectual, or something. Thanks to my parents, I realized early on that no one can force me to drink, that I myself choose the participants in the feast, I learned to watch who I drink with, I had a mindset from childhood: “Drinking a lot is strange.” This setup came in handy for me: once I worked at a vitamin plant, where there was more alcohol than water, and I didn’t drink. I didn’t drink in the army and hardly drank at the institute.”
To drink or not to drink, that is the question. At what age should a teenager be offered alcohol during family feasts?
Natalia Lobanova:“For me, as a parent, this question is not worth it. Don't offer at all. Sometimes parents offer children to "try" so that the child "understands what it is." But, in my opinion, it's about the attitude and culture of drinking alcohol. And if this attitude is healthy, then the child will consciously make his choice out of additional provocation from his parents.
Ludmila Borodina:“I have two grown sons. And I didn't mind their introduction to alcohol when they became interested in it. Everything happened in front of my eyes. From the age of 14, the boys sometimes began to spend the night with friends, I think there were alcohol episodes too. But there has never been a situation in which I would have felt the danger: they had an understanding of what alcohol is and why it is not worth drinking a glass of vodka on a bet.
Alexander Roitman:“We always had alcohol in our house, no one checked whether its quantity had decreased or not, I had no particular interest in it. My parents directly told me: “Drink, smoke, if you want, but at home, not on the street.” For as long as I can remember, I have always been served dry wine. From the age of nine for sure, five grams, sometimes more than once - I had my own little glass. I was taught that they drink slowly, that they should always remain in the glass, that “drink to the bottom” is not for me, that I myself control how I drink, and not the one who pours. Dad told me: “Be careful. Check to drink enough so as not to bust. Do not put yourself in a situation in which you may later become ashamed.
The teen is planning to celebrate his DR without his parents and presumably there will be alcohol. Is it worth showing interest in how much alcohol there will be, what kind of alcohol there will be, how many guests there will be and how to adjust these inputs if necessary?
Natalia Lobanova:“A parent's anxiety on this issue will be the higher, the less he trusts his child and is afraid to give up parental control. It seems to me that a preliminary conversation with the child about the responsibility for his behavior, which in the absence of adults falls on the shoulders of the teenager himself, is necessary and sufficient. A detailed explanation of the consequences of alcohol intoxication will largely allow the child to be more attentive and not cross the line of safety. But if it turns out that a teenager from a family with an adequate value of health and safety celebrated his birthday with a bang, then you should not regard what happened as a disaster: the child will be able to draw conclusions from what happened.”
Alexander Roitman:“I will tell the child this: “I don’t want wine on your birthday. But at the same time, I don’t want to put you in an idiotic position if someone brings it anyway, and you don’t tell me, and in fact deceive. I'm ready not to ask you about it - just know that I'm against it. I pour wine for you at home, but this is my relationship with you, this does not mean that you can drink with friends in my absence.
You take a teenager to a party that is supposed to contain alcohol. AND…?
Alexander Roitman:“You cannot teach a person to look at paintings before going to a museum. You can protect the child from gross mistakes (don't yell, don't touch the pictures with your hands), but you can't instill culture in one conversation. It is the same with alcohol - if the child does not have a "relationship with alcohol" vaccine, then clear instructions can be given before the child goes to a party. And in pursuit, already from the window, shout that this is only the beginning of a big conversation, designed for many, many meetings. But since my children have a background in alcohol, when I see my son to a party, I would instruct him - the way my parents instructed me: eat hearty, a lot, well.
Ludmila Borodina:“Assuming the child is going to an event where they will be introduced to alcohol, I would suggest discussing everything that may be happening - but discuss it in a way that does not look like rigid control. In the case of my sons, I probed the situation with questions: “How many guests are planned? Will there be girls? What are you thinking of drinking? ”, while sincerely sharing her fears:“ I’m afraid that it will be too ... (strong / expensive / a lot) ”. And there was always a compromise in the dialogue: “Will it be convenient to continue drinking if the girl’s parents come?”, “Will it be convenient if you get drunk and start to feel sick?”. At the same time, I have no illusions - I understand that there is a “closed zone” in the life of teenagers, that they don’t let me in everywhere, but what is shared with me is enough for me.
Is there a variant in which 100% refusal of alcohol in parents gives rise to the same 100% refusal of alcohol in children?
Ludmila Borodina:“I'm sure it's possible. The day will come when parents who do not drink alcohol even on holidays will reach a consensus with their children. But statistics say that sooner or later 100% of children will try alcohol, and therefore I am not sure that a child from an anti-alcohol family will avoid the period “Well, for the OGE!” or “For a certificate without “triples”!
Natalia Lobanova:“It is obvious to me that a teenager who grew up in a family where they do not drink alcohol will not show excessive interest in this issue. Perhaps he will try alcohol somewhere with friends, but, based on the attitude of his parents to drinking alcohol, he will make his choice not in favor of alcohol.
Alexander Roitman:“It’s interesting that now I don’t drink, well, maybe a glass of cognac once a year. And ... children (and I have five of them!) do not show any interest in alcohol! However, I assume that they probably tried alcohol, maybe they tried it more than once or twice (we have wine in the public domain), but after making sure that it is sour and not cool, they left their tastings!
But what if the child liked it?
Natalia Lobanova:“A child growing up in a family where alcohol is the norm will not ask their parents for permission to drink. He will either choose an anti-scenario and not even sit down at a table with his parents, on which there is alcohol, or he will start drinking alcohol himself (because he lives in this norm). And if the second happened, then you should start with yourself and change your attitude to alcohol. Does your child already drink alcohol on a regular basis? You need to pay attention to his environment or the reasons that can cause him to become addicted to alcohol, and try to change the situation on his own. Does not work? Seek help from experts!
Ludmila Borodina:“If a teenager said “yes” to alcohol, then one pill is not enough: you need a comprehensive solution. If I were the mother of this teenager, I would run with him to a psychologist. But first, I would think about the fact that children copy the behavior of adults - if parents put a bottle of whiskey on the table every Friday, and a battery of beer bottles under the table, this picture will be one variant of the norm for the child. If parents put out a bottle of wine for Sunday lunch, drink a glass and put it in the closet, this is another option. If parents, realizing that they have children in their family who see everything, buy non-alcoholic champagne for the New Year, do not keep any alcohol at home and live under the auspices of "Alcohol is evil" (and at the same time do not disdain cocktails in bars, at a party and at work) - this is the third option in which the child will undoubtedly drink alcohol (and will hide it from parents - just as they hide from him). And there is only one way out: parents need to become honest with themselves and admit that it is possible to change the situation, but you will have to start with yourself.”
In our time, early alcoholism is not a rare occurrence, and the statistics of drinking teenagers scare parents. Often, initiation to alcohol occurs precisely in adolescence, when the human psyche is most vulnerable. Among young people, there are only a few who have not tried alcohol at all. Many allow themselves to drink alcohol several times a month, there are even those who drink two or three times a week. The problem of teenage alcoholism is not only that the body cannot fully form. It is important to understand that in youth a more persistent addiction to alcohol is formed, which will be extremely difficult to get rid of in adulthood.
What does the statistics say?
Many parents are sure that the topic of teenage alcoholism will not affect their child. Because adults believe that children from dysfunctional families experience cravings for alcohol. However, now juvenile alcoholism is also detected in teenagers from ordinary and even good families, so parents should be on the lookout.
You should turn to statistics to roughly understand how common this problem is.
The survey showed that more than 70% of sixth-graders have tried alcoholic beverages at least once, and some even bought them on their own.
And among eighth-graders, approximately 75-80% used alcohol. In the 11th grade, almost 100% have tried alcohol, and about 50-60% use it several times a month and more often.
Underage alcoholism is extremely dangerous, because it can cross out a prosperous future. After all, a teenager will not be able to develop normally physically, the work of his internal organs will be disrupted. In addition, brain cells will begin to die. Because of this, mental problems will arise, and a person may develop mania, paranoia, severe depression, apathy and other deviations. Because of this, it will not be possible to create a full-fledged family, as it will be difficult to work, you will not want to take care of your loved ones. Therefore, the main consequence of alcoholism in adolescents is a ruined life.
Statistics also show that parents who drink alcohol much more often and children begin to drink. They see their parents with a bottle in their hands and gradually they themselves begin to first experience desires to try alcohol, and then take it more and more often. In 60% of cases, it is the bad example of parents that leads to the formation of addiction in children. Therefore, if you want your descendants not to have bad habits, you need to give them up yourself.
It should also be noted the performance of children who begin to drink in high school. As a rule, their average score is below the normal level. Drinking children rarely study well, literally 1% of them get grades above 4. Moreover, if a teenager drinks, then quite often he ceases to be interested in anything. He only wants to drink, the circle of hobbies narrows, he does not want to read and learn something new. Therefore, there is no development of a personality that could be called worthy.
Also, early alcoholism leads to teenage sexual relations, and often to erratic ones. This, in turn, can have a consequence in the form of pregnancy in schoolgirls. It is quite difficult at a minor age to create a strong family and raise a child. In addition, it may not be possible to get an education and then get a good job. Therefore, one should not turn a blind eye to the alcoholism of minors.
Causes
Not always even adults can say why they drink alcohol. At best, they use excuses rather than real reasons. Therefore, it is quite difficult for parents to figure out why teenagers drink alcohol. But, knowing the reasons, it is easier to help a person overcome a bad habit.
Many people try alcohol out of interest, because they want to understand why adults use intoxicants.
It's one thing if they only drank once and never touched the bottle again. But it is quite another if there is a desire to repeat this experience. Then there is a risk of alcoholism if you do not stop in time.
There are other reasons too:
- Unwillingness to be "not like everyone else." Here it is worth considering the fact that quite a few teenagers at least occasionally drink alcohol. And if someone from the company does not use ethanol, then he will begin to stand out from the general background. But this will cause misunderstanding among peers, as a result, the child may begin to be teased, they will not want to communicate with him. And teenagers are afraid of becoming outcasts in society, and therefore they want to be like everyone else at this age.
- Some individuals want to appear cooler and more mature. Therefore, they choose the wrong path and start drinking, smoking. Thus, they rise in the eyes of their peers, become authoritative. However, it should be understood that such popularity lasts only up to a certain point. After all, with age, no one will be surprised by the presence of bad habits. Moreover, addiction to alcohol will begin to be condemned by peers who are not addicted to alcohol and achieve success in life.
- Problems in the family, with friends, at school. Given the fact that a teenager has an unstable nervous system, he takes any conflicts and difficulties too close to his heart. If parents often quarrel, quarrel with children, or the child fails to study well, fails to make friends, then he can console himself with alcohol. A drink that affects the central nervous system will only depress the psyche. He doesn't solve problems, he creates them.
- Heredity. A person who has a family history of alcoholics is more likely to form an addiction. Character traits are also important - self-doubt, pessimism, weakness. These factors can lead to the fact that a person will try alcohol earlier than others and at the same time will not be able to resist a bad habit.
Alcoholism of minors should not be perceived as a temporary phenomenon that will pass with age. Because quite often, over the years, the craving for a bottle only grows stronger. And if we take into account the fact that a person simply does not understand what it is like to live without ethanol, it is difficult for him to change the ordinary phenomenon for him. Therefore, the sooner you start fighting a bad habit, the more likely you are to return to normal life.
stages
The characteristic of alcoholism is quite simple - if a person drinks more than once a week, then he has already developed an addiction. Moreover, as a rule, he will deny this fact and say that he can stop at any moment. The method of determining alcoholism allows you to understand by characteristic signs whether a person has a bad habit, and also at what stage it is.
Craving for alcohol does not occur in a month or six months. It takes a long time to form, and at first looks harmless. It all starts from the first stage, when a person practically does not differ from ordinary people.
However, he already feels like drinking at least once a week or more, and he gradually needs a larger dose to get drunk.
Then the following happens:
- The second stage is characterized by the fact that a teenager drinks steadily several times a week and no longer experiences a feeling of euphoria. However, without alcohol, he cannot have fun or relax. He is not interested in seeing people who do not drink, because without alcohol, meetings turn out to be boring for him. A minor does not want to study, his hobbies disappear. There is only one desire left - to drink alcohol.
- The third stage is considered the last. In this case, there was a complete degradation of personality. A person becomes unrecognizable, he begins to be aggressive, apathetic, falls into depression. A teenager is completely indifferent to loved ones, he is not interested in anything and does not care. This stage is also characterized by the fact that a minor drinks in order to feel normal, because in a sober state, diseases acquired due to alcohol, bad mood and mental disorders are disturbing.
As a rule, the last stage occurs already in an adult personality, since this takes time. But, as statistics show, a year is enough for the initial signs of dependence to appear. Therefore, if a teenager drinks, for example, from the age of 16, then at the age of 20-22 there is a high probability that he will already be an alcoholic. Unless, of course, he stops in time and stops drinking.
What to do?
In adolescence, few people think about their future and health. Schoolchildren want to have fun, and for this they drink alcohol. Therefore, it is important that their parents help them to realize the problem that has arisen. There is no point in swearing and punishing, as this will not help. On the contrary, a minor will want to go against the will of adults, deciding that they do not love him and do not understand him.
It is necessary to explain in calm tones what alcohol consumption leads to. It is possible that the help of a psychologist will be required, as he knows how to work with difficult teenagers. The child must himself realize that alcohol and a prosperous future are incompatible things. Then he will be able to refuse ethanol and will not succumb to temptations. And until he understands the consequences of alcohol, no punishments and prohibitions will help.
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