Something that many parents learn is that quite some teens experiment with alcohol and cigarettes at least once. This is frustrating for parents, but it’s not unexpected. What does get problematic is when that experimental beer turns into frequent teen drinking. For a teen alcohol can become more than just something they consume when around friends due to peer pressure and wanting to fit in. It can become a tool for teens who cannot fully cope with the things going on in their lives.
You may wonder how to find help for teen drinking. What should your first step be? Keep in mind that the more proactive you are, and the sooner you work to get your teen help, the sooner your teen will be able to get his life back on track.
There’s no alcohol at home; how are they getting it?
One of the most confusing things for parents is often trying to figure out where their teens are getting the alcohol from. Even if there is no alcohol at home, or it is locked up securely, teens can be pretty resourceful. Your teen may be getting it from friends, from their friends' homes, or even an adult could buy it for them. There are even online sources that won’t ask for proof of age if someone places an order.
Regardless of where your teen is getting the alcohol, the focus should be on reducing their access while working to find help for teen drinking.
What could be going on?
Even with the best treatment options, your teen won’t be able to recover and move forward from the alcohol abuse unless the root cause of his stress is identified and worked on. Does your teen struggle with anxiety or depression? Is he struggling with too many responsibilities at home and with his extracurricular activities? Perhaps his classes and homework are too much for him. It could also be that your teen is being bullied at school.
Teens can also struggle with issues at home, such as fighting between parents, housing insecurity, and other concerns that are outside of their control. In some cases, teens may just be on the wrong path. They may be making poor decisions, struggling with impulse control, and showing behaviors that are out of character.
Working with your teen, his therapist, and plenty of patience, you may be able to get to the bottom of his need to drink.
Getting your teen help
Above all, reinforce to your teen that you are in his corner. Teens can get to the point where they feel they aren’t being heard or understood, and their parents are against them. You know that this isn’t the case, but your teen may need a bit of positive reinforcement and reminding that he’s not alone with his struggles. It’s not going to be an easy journey getting your teen help for alcohol addiction, but if he knows he can rely on you, even when he’s lashing out and being angry, it’ll be easier for him to approach the road ahead.
There have been numerous studies demonstrating that there isn’t a one-size solution when it comes to helping teen alcohol addiction. However, a few strategies and treatment options work well for many teens struggling with alcohol use and abuse. The first step you take should be to get your teen into therapy with a therapist who has experience working with adolescents struggling with alcohol addiction. It can sometimes take a bit of time to find the right therapist who is able to connect with your teen. You should also reach out to your teen’s school counselor, coaches, and teachers, who may have some idea about what he is struggling with when he’s at school.
Peer counseling and support groups, particularly those that offer a focus on addiction and recovery, can provide teens with a safe space to open up. These groups can be found through school, youth groups, and your teen’s therapist.
If outpatient treatment is not working for your teen, it could be time to consider an inpatient solution. These types of therapeutic programs have a proven track record of providing help for teens with substance abuse problems. Focused treatment in a space that is removed from the stressors at home and school can often allow teens to direct their recovery better. It could just be the right choice for your teen.
