Adolescence is a time of change and growth, including behavior changes. These changes usually are a normal part of growing up but sometimes can point to an alcohol problem. Parents, families, and other adults should pay close attention to the following warning signs that may indicate underage drinking:

• Coordination problems
• Changes in mood, including anger and irritability
• Academic or behavioral problems in school
• Rebelliousness
• Changing groups of friends
• Low energy level
• Less interest in activities or care in appearance
• Finding alcohol among belongings
• Smelling alcohol on breath
• Slurred speech
• Problems concentrating or remembering

Underage drinking poses a range of risks and negative consequences:

• Causes injury and death. Drinking alcohol can cause youth to have accidents and get hurt, and is a significant factor in the deaths of people younger than age 21 in the United States each year. This includes deaths from motor vehicle crashes, homicides, alcohol overdoses, falls, burns, drowning, and suicides. In 2011 alone, about 188,000 people younger than age 21 visited an emergency room for alcohol-related injuries.
• Impairs judgment. Drinking can lead to poor decisions about taking risks, including unsafe sexual behavior, drinking and driving, and aggressive or violent behavior.
• Leads to problems at school. Youth who drink are more likely to have frequent school absences, lower grades, and disciplinary actions.
• Leads to other problems. Drinking may cause youth to have trouble in school or with the law. Drinking alcohol is also associated with the use of other substances.
• Increases the risk of addiction to alcohol. Research shows that people who start drinking before the age of 15 are at a higher risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life.
• Interferes with brain development. Research shows that people’s brains keep developing well into their 20s. Alcohol can alter this development, potentially affecting both brain structure and function.

Parents are the biggest influence in a child’s life. Having open, honest conversations is one of the most powerful ways to connect help youth develop into healthy adults. When addressing some more challenging topics – like nicotine, alcohol or drugs – it’s not about having a one-time “drug talk,” but rather tackling the subject through more frequent, organic conversations that evolve as the child gets older. 

You can help children avoid alcohol problems by:

• Talking about the dangers of drinking
• Drinking responsibly if they choose to drink
• Serving as positive role models in general
• Not making alcohol available
• Getting to know their children’s friends
• Having regular conversations about life in general
• Connecting with other parents about sending clear messages about the importance of youth not drinking alcohol
• Supervising all parties to make sure there is no alcohol
• Encouraging kids to participate in healthy and fun activities that do not involve alcohol 

Studies have shown that it is important to:

• Talk early and often, in developmentally appropriate ways, with children and teens about your concerns—and theirs—regarding alcohol. Youth who know their parents’ opinions about drinking are more likely to fall in line with their expectations.
• Establish policies early and be consistent in setting expectations and enforcing rules. Adolescents do feel that parents should have a say in decisions about drinking, and they maintain this feeling as long as they perceive the message to be legitimate.
• Work with other parents to monitor where kids are gathering and what they are doing. Being involved in the lives of adolescents is key to keeping them safe.

If your child is using alcohol, try asking questions in an open and curious way as they will talk more freely if not feeling judged. Make sure your child knows they can come to you with questions and that your first priority is keeping them safe.

Tips on discussing alcohol with your child: 

• Stay calm, avoid making negative or angry comments.
• Ask what they have heard about using alcohol at their age. Listen carefully, pay attention, and try not to interrupt.
• Offer your child facts about the risks and consequences of drinking alcohol.
• Ask your child to give examples of the negative effects of alcohol use. This will help you make sure that your child understands what you talked about.
• If you choose to talk to your child about your own experiences with drugs and alcohol, be honest about why you used and the pressures that contributed to your use. Be careful not to minimize the dangers and be open about any negative experiences you may have had.
• Explain that research tells us that the brain continues to mature into the 20s. While it is developing, there is greater risk of harm from alcohol use.

If you have concerns about your child’s drug or alcohol use, talk with your child’s pediatrician and ask for a referral to an agency providing adolescent substance-use treatment. Many Seattle Public Schools partner with an agency providing onsite mental health and/or substance use treatment. You may call your neighborhood school’s main office, ask which agency provides onsite services, and to be connected to the clinician.

Call the Washington Recovery Help Line for 24-hour emotional support, referrals and information: 1-866-789-1511