Juvenile Alcoholism

From strolling into classrooms mildly smelling of vodka to driving in fast lanes under the effect of alcohol, young brats are everywhere and they not only pose danger to the lives of others but also unknowingly spoil their own youth

The causes of juvenile alcoholism are not as criminal as sometimes its consequences are:

• Most often drinking in youngsters (often accompanied by smoking) is a direct result of peer pressure. Consumption of liquor is considered ‘glamorous’ or ‘cool’. Often young boys and girls would drink to ‘fit in’ or ‘set trends’ in their class or peer group.
• The second most common cause of drinking at this age is larger mental and emotional problems. Your child could be suffering from depression or anxiety.
• Social malfunction could also be another problem. Rejection by any member of society or family member could create a sense of estrangement and alienation leading to dependence on alcohol.
• At times, though not always, drinking habits of parents may also influence a teenager’s habits and preferences. Sometimes indiscipline and laxity on part of parents leads to unhealthy life choices of young people.

Symptoms shown by a young tippler:

• Attention deficit in school.
• Causing problems to others in school or college.
• He or she mingles with a new group of friends all of a sudden.
• Sudden demand for ‘time alone.’
• This teen might have trouble getting up in the morning or might wear a sick look on a regular basis in mornings.

In case your child is a tippler

Don’ts
There is absolutely no point in donning the Darth Vader mask to deal with this problem. If your child is doing it behind your back, she or he then knows very well that it is not a good thing.
Scolding him or her will only aggravate the problem.

Do’s

• Build a positive atmosphere by letting them know that you are willing to listen to their complaints and dissatisfactions.
• Don’t broach the topic out of the blue in a cynical manner – that might thwart all goodwill. Bring it up casually during a conversation.
• Remember that the conversation itself is very important. So encourage the child to express opinions and feelings without her/him feeling it’s the Spanish Inquisition.
• Monitor and model your own behaviour. Drink less or decline to drink at social events.
• Monitor party venues closely. Don’t interfere in the larger program but ensure that alcohol, if served, is under supervision.
• Encourage schools to undertake interventionist health programs and launch awareness drives on ill effects of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse.