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Young People Ask Questions About Alcohol

Alcohol Questions from Young People

Teenagers, and even those just approaching their teenage years often have a lot of questions about alcohol. Most of them have heard all of the warnings, and they know it's important to stay away from it, but curiosity often gets the best of some. Let's talk about what some of the most frequently asked questions about alcohol are so that you, or a young person you know, can become better informed.

Does the age of the first use of alcohol really matter that much?

The age of your first use of alcohol matters a lot, according to researchers. In fact, if you start drinking before the age of 15, you're five times more likely to become addicted than those who wait until they're 21 or older. Alcohol addiction can lead to a host of personal and physical problems, which is one reason it's recommended for everyone to wait until they are of the legal drinking age.

Isn't it better to drink alcohol only once in a while, rather than all the time?

No, it is not. While you probably don't intend to get addicted to alcohol (people rarely do), addiction happens because of a process. Once you start drinking, you'll find that it's easier to do it on a regular basis, and because of the way alcohol affects your brain, you can become addicted very quickly. The best way to not get addicted is to stay away from alcohol entirely.

Why is it that not everyone who drinks alcohol regularly gets addicted to it?

Everyone is different, and because of that, everyone responds to alcohol differently. There are some risk factors that make some people more prone to becoming addicted, and these include:

  • Your genetics and family history
  • The age you started drinking
  • Traumatic experiences during childhood
  • How much access you have to alcohol
  • Whether or not you've previously used drugs

The only real problem I have to worry about is drinking and driving, right?

Drinking and driving is a serious problem, but there are other dangers associated with drinking alcohol too. Unintentional injuries, assault, sexual abuse and date rape are all major issues that go along with early alcohol use and addiction.

What signs can I look for to determine whether a friend of mine is addicted to alcohol?

If you believe a friend is addicted to alcohol, there are a few signs you can look for to be sure, and these include having glassy eyes, not being able to concentrate, being socially isolated, being easily irritated, anxiety and depression.

Is help available for teens who have an alcohol addiction?

Help is available for anyone who has an alcohol addiction, teens included. Here at Ashwood Recovery, we would be happy to talk with you about programs that can meet your needs.