Teenage Alcoholism: Detecting Those Early Warning Signals (From Youth and Alcohol Abuse: Readings and Resources, P (78)-81, 1986, Carla M Felsted, ed. -See NCJ-117182)

• NCJ Number: 117188
• Author(s): B F Dykeman
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: Oryx Press
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article describes attitudes and behaviors common to all alcoholics and behaviors most often associated with the teenage alcoholic.

Abstract

All alcoholics tend to feel isolated, need a drink to relax, feel uncomfortable in situations without alcohol available, be preoccupied with having the next drink, be aggressive toward family and friends, lose interest in activities and hobbies, not care about other people, and feel guilt. All alcoholics tend to deny their dependency on alcohol. There are certain behaviors identified only with the teenage alcoholic. These include declining school grades, a sudden decrease in penmanship skills, shortened attention span, school absences and tardiness, inability to cope with frustration, constant changes in the peer group, suspiciousness, rebelliousness, lying, and impulsivity. Those who would help the teenage alcoholic can show concern over behavioral changes, help the problem drinker reflect on these behaviors, refuse to accept excuses, confront the person about negative behaviors, and enlist the aid of a professional. 4 references.