Part of growing up involves testing personal and social boundaries. This typically includes trying new things, including potentially harmful substances such as alcohol.
Teens may try alcohol due to stress, peer pressure, curiosity, trying to copy parents or adult behavior, because it feels good or because it’s easy to get.
It’s hard to know which teens will merely try alcohol, drink casually or potentially develop alcohol dependency. Help reduce the chances of potentially harmful situations by keeping the conversation regarding alcohol open. Use the following information and tips to help you and your teen understand the risks of alcohol, define ways to drink responsibly or how to decline drinking altogether, and how to identify alcohol abuse.