Although the statistics indicate a decline, the number of teens drinking still remains high. Figures from 2013 note at least 35% of the youth high school population drank some amount of alcohol while 21% admitted to binge drinking. Other surveys and studies have found that while young adults in senior high school were more likely to drink, close to 30% of those in grade eight admitted to drinking in the past month. While not all youth will require treatment, many may need alcohol abuse counseling.
Basic Types of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse has always been a common topic for teachers and counselors in Boulder, particularly those involved with the youth population. In fact, professionals recognize the patter of alcohol use to fall into three major patterns. These are:
- Alcohol Use: This individual uses alcohol on occasion. They do not develop any indications of physical attachment, withdrawal symptoms or any other emotional or social fallout from using it.
- Alcohol Abuse: This youth uses alcohol to an extent it becomes a liability creating problems physically and affecting their lives emotionally and socially
- Alcohol Dependency: The person who reaches this point exhibits classic signs of dependency. They are not only physically dependent upon the alcohol but also ae emotionally attached to drinking. Withdrawal symptoms occur if they cannot obtain a drink
While not all youths become addicts, a sizable portion does develop problems. They develop a substance abuse disorder. A holistic way to address the problem is to treat the causal factors as well as the symptoms in a program that includes therapy, treatment and alcohol abuse counseling.
Why Youth Use Alcohol
Youths who drink do so for any of several reasons. Some seem simplistic while others are more complex. The most common reasons are:
- Boredom
- Curiosity
- Peer pressure – particularly if he or she wants to fit in
- Stress – home, school, relationships
- Depression, anxiety and related problems – Drinking alcohol makes the individual feel better or to forget the source of the problem
Recognition of the issues facing youth in cities such as Boulder can help identify youth at risk. Other factors such as family ties and relationships, individual personalities, family history, individual personality, mental health issues and emotional problems can all help teachers and counsellor to work together to identify and help a potential alcohol abuser.
Alcohol Abuse Counseling: One Form of Treatment
A person who abuses alcohol always runs the risk of abusing it. The only way to stop abusing alcohol for these youths in Boulder is to abstain from usage. There is no cure for alcoholism. What it requires is the dawning understanding reached through treatments including ongoing alcohol abuse counselling, that the youth needs to stop drinking forever.