Drunkenness in teenagers is something that far too many parents have to deal with at some time or another. To some teenagers, getting drunk has become part of a normal weekend, whether they are in clubs, at parties or at home. They see it as a right of passage to adulthood or just as a way to fit into a peer group.
It must be understood that alcohol can change the direction of the lives of teenagers forever.
It can weaken their ability to concentrate and retain information as well as impair their judgement, leading to risky decision-making that could involve illicit sexual behaviours.
There are many reactions parents experience when they discover that their young ones have betrayed the trust they placed in them and became drunk. The first thing to go through the mind is that they have failed as a parent. Never think that. Adolescents are at the age where their peers have strong influences on their lives and they are willing to explore and experiment.
Parents begin to feel cheated. In spite of all of their efforts to keep their children alcohol-free, they have betrayed the trust placed in them. They did not take a few sips or maybe a glass but to the parent, they drank the entire bottle and found themselves in a disgusting state. It is clear that some teenagers have not learnt their limits and are pushing boundaries.
If you suspect or know that your teenager is using alcohol, take action now. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to deal with the situation.
Communicate: Keep communication open. Do not let anger get the better of you. Wait until your child becomes sober and your anger fades. You will be more calm and rational and your teenager may be more likely to accept what you have to say. Find out what is going on. If this is just part of a pattern of behaviour, you need to find out what is happening with your teen to lead to this occurring.
Create consequences and set clear boundaries: It must be made very clear that there are consequences for their actions and that they must act responsibility. Give realistic consequences.
Educate: Explain your concerns about their drinking. Tell them about the range of risks involved and your concerns about their physical, psychological and social health. They may not agree with your views on the matter but they need to understand why you have created the rules that exist in your home. Teach them about the dangers of alcohol.
Seek professional help: If you believe you cannot handle the alcoholic consumption of your child on your own, seek professional help. You could talk to the school counsellor, a pastor or psychologist.
As parents you cannot be “watchdogs” or babysit your children all their lives, but you can teach them to be responsible and act responsibly.
Rhonda Blackman is an educator, a reviewer with the British Research Journal and a member of the American Education Research Association. Email: [email protected]
