Understanding and Addressing Alcohol Use Among Teens

The use of alcohol can have significant impacts on teenagers. The teenage years are a critical period of development, characterized by physical, psychological, and social growth. Alcohol can disrupt natural developmental processes and lead to a range of adverse outcomes.

Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances by teenagers. Its use can impair brain development, particularly in areas responsible for learning, memory, and impulse control. The teen brain is still forming connections, and alcohol use can cause cognitive deficits and potentially reduce the ability to achieve optimal brain function in adulthood. Moreover, alcohol use increases the risk of engaging in dangerous behaviors, such as driving under the influence or participating in unprotected sex, and can lead to the development of alcohol use disorders later in life.

If you’re concerned about a teenager’s alcohol use, seeking guidance from a Teen Therapist in Glendale can provide valuable support and assistance.

Understanding How Alcohol Impacts Brain Function

Alcohol impacts the frontal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for focus, motivation, planning, and learning. This results in reduced activity in these areas, making it difficult for us to manage complex and competing thoughts effectively.

Additionally, alcohol affects the amygdala, the part of the brain tasked with responding to our environment. It helps us determine if we’re in danger and whether to feel fear. Alcohol diminishes the amygdala’s function, leading to a reduced ability to process complex, long-term considerations.

Moreover, alcohol suppresses the cerebellum’s functions, which are crucial for maintaining balance and coordination. This is why intoxication often leads to stumbling and difficulty in walking straight.

The Science of Alcohol-Induced Blackouts: Why You Can’t Remember the Party But Still Know Your Address

When blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.15—often described as a blackout state—the hippocampus, the memory station of the brain, stops functioning properly. At this point you can no longer create new memories, although you can still recall existing ones. For example, you’d be able to recite your address correctly but won’t remember that someone asked to you do so. 

A study involving over 700 students at Duke University revealed that more than half of the drinkers had experienced a blackout at some point, with 40% having a blackout in the past year. Notably, the gap in alcohol consumption between men and women, once significant, has now considerably narrowed.

In the U.S., if an average-weight male consumes eight drinks over four hours (a common scenario at universities), his blood alcohol level would reach 0.10. This level exceeds California’s legal driving limit of 0.08 but is below 0.15, the concentration typically associated with blackouts. Conversely, an average-weight female consuming the same amount of alcohol in the same timeframe would reach a blood alcohol level of 0.17, entering a blackout state. This highlights the substantial differences in how men and women metabolize alcohol and process water. 

It’s important to note that there are significant differences in the way men and women metabolize alcohol and water, if a male and a female of the same weight and similar body compositions drink the same volume of alcohol for over four hours, he will be at .10 and she will be at .14. 

Guiding Teenagers Towards Responsible Alcohol Use

In my clinical practice as a therapist, I have encountered numerous teenage clients who lack an understanding of how to responsibly use alcohol. A common misconception among them is the belief that feeling hungover is a normal or expected outcome after drinking. Many teenagers are not aware of simple yet effective strategies to mitigate the negative effects of alcohol. Educating them on these practices can be an essential preventative measure. 

For instance, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water while consuming alcohol is crucial. It helps counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol and can reduce the severity of hangovers. Additionally, eating before or while drinking is also vital. It slows down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, providing some protection to the liver and stomach lining.

While abstaining from alcohol is undoubtedly the best choice for teenagers, it is also important for parents to equip them with knowledge and tools for safer alcohol consumption. This approach serves as a preventative measure, helping teens make more informed decisions if they do choose to drink. As a psychotherapist, I emphasize the importance of open communication between parents and teens about alcohol use, encouraging a dialogue that includes discussing responsible drinking habits and the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption.

The Psychological Impact of Alcohol on Teenagers

The psychological and emotional impact of alcohol use in teenagers is significant, often exacerbating mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and leading to emotional volatility and poor judgment. This is especially critical during adolescence, a key time for emotional development and identity formation. The influence of peer pressure and social norms, which often normalize or glamorize alcohol use, increases the risk of teenagers drinking to fit in, potentially leading to risky behaviors and distorted perceptions of alcohol’s role in social interactions. Moreover, the consequences of teenage alcohol and substance use extend beyond the individual, affecting families, schools, and communities. Understanding and addressing these risks is vital in the formative teenage years to foster healthy decision-making and resilience against the pressures of engaging in such behaviors.

Consulting with a Teen Therapist in Glendale offers crucial guidance and support, aiding in the cultivation of sound decision-making and resilience to withstand the pressures associated with engaging in such behaviors.

Begin your transformative journey today. Take the first step towards change by connecting with our skilled therapists. Contact us today at Avedian Counseling Center to discover how teen counseling can enhance your quality of life and promote personal growth.

About the Author : Sipan Nazaryan is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Anger Management Counselor with offices in Sherman Oaks and Glendale. He works with adults and teens providing a comfortable and confidential environment for in-person sessions and telehealth appointments. Sipan has helped numerous people manage and overcome their anxiety and helps clients through their mental health journey. Fluent in both English and Armenian, Sipan brings a culturally sensitive approach to his practice, making him accessible to a broad range of individuals seeking mental health support.