Minor alcohol consumption is a concern for all parents. It can happen in any family, regardless of income, state or ethnic origin. Many parents are surprised to know that minor alcohol consumption can begin before adolescence.
It is important that parents understand the reasons why their child can experiment with alcohol. You should also know how you can become an addiction and how to treat that addiction. Even more important is his role in talking with his son about the dangers of alcohol consumption. The investigation shows that the sooner a child begins to drink, the greater the probability of abusing alcohol later in life.
Excessive alcohol consumption is also dangerous. This is when you drink an excessive amount of alcohol at the same time. Excessive alcohol consumption is commonly linked to alcohol poisoning.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends that children between 12 and 17 years avoid alcohol. As a reminder, drinking alcohol the smaller it is not legal and is insecure.
Way to the best health
It is important to talk to your child (at all ages) about the dangers of alcohol. It is also important to understand why they drink. Teenagers often take their first alcoholic beverage because they are pressured by their friends or colleagues. Group pressure can take the form of bullying. Companions will also tell your child that alcohol makes them feel good and gives them confidence. They can say that there is no damage to the drink and that everyone drinks. Tell your child to wait for the pressure of the classmates and encourage you to talk to you when those times occur.
Another reason why your son can drink is because he wants to be independent. As your child earns independence, it is important that you continue to monitor what is happening in their lives. Stress (school, social, home) can be another reason why your child begins to drink. Teach your child ways of dealing with the stress they experience at each stage of your life. Children who have suffered abuse or have behavioral or mental health problems have a higher risk of alcohol consumption by minors.
Talk to your children
Talking with your child helps reduce minor alcohol consumption. Parents can influence their children’s attitudes about alcohol and prepare them for the challenges that are coming. Start for being a good model to follow. Research shows that when parents actively participate in their children’s lives, the child is less likely to drink. Being a model of poor roles can have negative consequences. The children of a father who crouch, for example, are more likely to drink in excess. If you are a father and drink, do it in moderation. Do not drink and lead. Do not maintain an excessive amount of alcohol at home. Other issues of minor alcohol consumption that should be discussed with your child include:
- The dangers of alcohol. Talk about the dangers of alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse. These may include blackouts, alcohol poisoning, injuries and accidents, risky behavior, negative effects on the brain and death.
- Deal with group pressure. Give their children examples of real life of ways of dealing with the pressure of friends and classmates. Ask them to practice your answers with you.
- Stress management. Tell your child to drink your stress is not the answer. Teach them ways of choosing, as a physical exercise, listening to music, reading, watching a fun movie, writing about your stress in a diary, volunteering to help people or organizations needy, and talk to you or someone you trust.
- Legal and academic consequences. Explain the long -term impact of alcohol consumption by minors and drive (lose your license, have an arrest record). Drinking, drinking and driving minors can lead to losing a place in a school or club team. It can also mean losing a university scholarship. Worse, someone could be injured or even killed by the decision to drink and drive.
- Choose the right friends. Encourage your child to find friends and classmates who share their same goals and lifestyle options. If they choose to stay with the children who drink, they are more likely to give up the pressure and drink of the classmates too.
Take preventive measures
It is important to talk to your child about the dangers of alcohol. However, talking is not enough. Take preventive measures, such as the creation of networks with other parents who share their own thinking and rules on minor alcohol consumption. This may include not serve alcohol at parties and adult supervision when friends end.
Keep alcohol out of your own home or low lock and key. Establish strict rules and consequences for minor alcohol consumption. Some parents create an agreement or written contract with their children. This may include consequences to drink or drink minors. The consequences can be a loss of privileges of driving, loss of free time, touches of left or fines payments.
Things to consider
Alcohol abuse not only affects your child. Negative consequences can also cause harm to others, such as hurting or even killing another person while driving drunk.
Learn the warning signals of alcohol abuse, which may include:
- Humor changes, including depression, anger and irritability
- PALLAS PALLATIONS
- Behavioral problems at work or school
- Suddenly choose a new group of friends, or not introduce you to their friends
- Low energy
- Without interest in the activities or recreation that once enjoyed
- Evidence of alcohol consumption, such as red eyes, the smell of alcohol in the breath of your child, the discourse dragged or the inability to concentrate
The treatment is available in several forms. It may require individual or group advice, or a treatment program for hospitalized or residential patients (where your child stays until the treatment has completed). There are also treatment plans for outpatient patients (where your child leaves the house to receive treatment and returns home every day), hospital programs, medicines to reduce alcohol cravings, continuous recovery support programs and peer supports. Ask your doctor which one or the combined treatment is suitable for your child.
Questions to ask your doctor
- If I suspect that my son has been drinking, how do I know if my son is abusing alcohol or if it is unique?
- If my son is under 18 years old, can I authorize the treatment? What happens if he or she is over 18 years old?
- How do I have a conversation with my son about alcohol if my spouse drinks in moderation (but every day) and I don’t?
- Is alcoholism hereditary?
Resources
Centers for disease control and prevention: about alcohol consumption by minors
