Confronting teenage alcoholism.

Teenage years are filled with insecurities and the overwhelming need to be accepted. Intense pressure to perform and succeed are felt by many youths, according to Alliant Health System, Louisville, Ky. Perceived failure at home and/or school can lead to the need for escape. Teenagers often see their parents react to stress by drinking, thus providing an example for them. Marital problems between their parents can be a very unsettling force in teenagers' lives. The desire to be accepted and popular among their peers encourages many to begin drinking. The ability to consume a lot of alcohol is associated with being a "real man or woman." When teens see adults drink heavily and movie stars on screen getting drunk, the message that gets through loud and clear is that "it's cool to drink."

Parents often are unaware that alcohol is becoming a problem for their child until the condition is well-advanced. The first indication usually is a change in personally. The teenagers grows aloof, begins keeping late hours, and avoids participating in family functions. He or she tends to hang out exclusively with others who also drink and use drugs. Straight friends are dropped. School officials often contact the parents about increasing amounts of absenteeism. Brushes with the law of speeding, drunk driving, or disorderly conduct can become a serious issue. The teenager, of course, has excuses to cover these situations and quickly promises to do better in the future - only to have the incidents reoccur. Tension in the family rises. The communication gap between teenager and parents widens, with the youth resorting more and more to lying to cover up the drinking. Stormy confrontations occur, and parents may feel helpless and confused about what is happening. All attempts by them to discipline and get through to their offspring end in failure. In some situations, the family strain is so...