Text: Amanda Ndlangisa. Pictures: Thinkstock.  Article from the December2012 issue of Bona Magazine.

BONA takes a look at the ways you can help prevent your teenager abusing alcohol.

The Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA) spokesperson Adrian Botha says a teenager’s first interaction with alcohol often happens at home and this is where they can be exposed to abusive drinking behaviour.  The use and abuse of alcohol by young people continues to be a great danger to them, both in the short and long-term. The legal age to drink alcohol in South Africa is 18, but the reality is that most children will come across alcohol long before they reach the legal age, some as young as 11. It is important to help teenagers understand that they are becoming young adults and need to show that they are mature enough to handle a situation that is meant for adults. This is difficult when parents themselves do not act responsibly and accept bad actions that come with alcohol misuse. When children enter their matric year, it’s the time of matric dances, going to nightclubs, 18th birthday parties, legal driving age, legal drinking age and the Matric Rage festival which sweeps over the county’s coastal towns every year in December. There is also added pressure from friends as each one reaches the legal drinking age making this a highly unstable time in a young adult’s life.

Why Teenagers use Alcohol

Teenagers drink for a number of reasons. It ranges from emotional problems to wanting social acceptance (to fit in with their friends). Children of alcoholics are also at a greater risk of developing drinking problems because of the parental example they follow. Teenagers may misuse alcohol for the following reasons:

Escape

Alcohol is a very powerful drug, which reduces symptoms of stress and anxiety. Because growing up is associated with feelings of frustration, social anxiety, depression and anger, teenagers often deal with these pressures by turning to alcohol. Teens with undiagnosed and unmanaged anxiety problems are at a higher risk of abusing alcohol.

Boredom & instant friends

Some teenagers have trouble keeping themselves busy. They crave excitement and can’t handle being alone. So they use alcohol to keep themselves entertained and impress their friends.

Lack of confidence

Some teens may try to get drunk before going to a party to give them the confidence to do things that they would otherwise not do.

Rebellion

Alcohol is the drug of choice for teenagers because it frees or allows them to behave aggressively. This aggressive behaviour can be a display of rebelliousness and rejection of their parents and rules.

Effects of Alcohol use on Teenagers

Decreased concentration: Limited ability to focus, maintain attention and avoid distractions. Reduced memory: Storing and managing the information needed to carry out tasks such as reasoning and problem-solving may become difficult when alcohol is misused. Crime and violence: When teenagers drink alcohol their weakened judgement causes them to put themselves in dangerous situations more often. Suicide: Not only does alcohol, increase symptoms of depression in the long run, it also makes teenagers impulsive (act without thinking things through) and more likely to act on suicidal thoughts. Sexual assault and high-risk sex: Alcohol use by the offender, victim or both, increases the likelihood of sexual assault as aggression is increased and reactive responses (behaviour that’s in response to a situation) decreased. Also teenage drinking is associated with high-risk sexual behaviour, increasing unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

What to do if my child is misusing Alcohol.

It can be scary for a parent to discover that their child is abusing alcohol. When this happens, it’s important not to overreact but you shouldn’t deny the problem either. Research shows that many teens will use alcohol once in a while. Don’t assume that your child is an alcoholic but, you need to talk to them calmly about alcohol and listen to what they have to say too. During the talk, it’s important that you: Talk about your child’s alcohol use: How often are they drinking, with whom, where and why? Explain why you are concerned: Remind your teen of what is expected of them as a member of your family and the rules about alcohol use. Be sure to follow up and let them know the consequences if these rules are broken. Encourage teenagers’ interests: You need to encourage your teen to do activities that develop their interests and skills. These activities should help teens feel good about themselves without the use of alcohol. Hobbies, school events, sport, healthy relationships and volunteer work may keep young people active and away from alcohol. Create strong family ties: Family activities (for example; sports, movies or family getaways) along with open discussions and flexible rules can be helpful in creating strong family ties. Be a role model. If you drink, do it responsibly. If you have a drinking problem, or think you may have one, seek help. Seek professional help: If your efforts to talk to your teen and enforce the rules have failed, get professional help. Talking to your children about alcohol is a topic that should be started by parents. While schools are there as well to provide this information, parents need to take the responsibility and act as the role models.

Useful contacts:

• Alcoholics Anonymous SA National Helpline: (0861 435 722)
• Narconon South Africa: (011 622-3998)
• Alateen General Service Number: (021 595-4508)
• LifeLine: (0861 322 322)