NCJ Number
148105
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This pamphlet explains the nature of alcoholism, the signs that an adolescent is alcoholic, and actions that parents should take if their child is alcoholic.
Abstract
The discussion notes that 35 percent of high school seniors have consumed five or more drinks in the 2 weeks before a national survey. Family and friends are often unsure of the difference between normal adolescent experimentation and a serious drinking problem. They need to recognize that alcoholism is a disease in which individuals consistently hurt themselves or others as a result of their drinking. Adolescents drink for many reasons, but parents are the single greatest influence on their children's drinking behavior. Parents should watch for several signs of a drinking problem, including a sharp change in school attendance or performance, changes in friends, and isolation from parents or other adults. Denial is the central feature of alcoholism. Parents must take the lead and stop the process of denial, recognizing that they did not cause alcoholism. The telephone book lists sources of treatment. Treatment is most likely to succeed when all family members take part. Checklists