Signals Parents Get Before Drinking Happens
Teens who are planning a party or a hang-out session where they will be drinking alcohol show signals that their parents can pick up on. While these signals are not big neon signs pointing to the problem, they are cause enough for concern that parents should use them to start a talk and put a stop to any current activities their teen is up to.
Signals Your Teen Is Going Out to Drink
- Your teen is carrying a duffel, tote type bag or even their school backpack. They may be transporting alcohol from your home to the party. As alcohol is not easy to hide, your teen will need to make excuses to use some type of bag transport it.
- Hushed tones and whispers over the phone or when they are talking to friends and you in earshot.
- Your teen evades your questions about where they are going, who they are going to be with and what they will be doing. While there is nothing wrong with hanging out, there is everything wrong with drinking while hanging out. The answers to these questions will help you decide which is which.
- Your teen is acting guilty about something. Just like the fact that your teen knows how to push your buttons, you know when they are acting guilty.
- Your teen asks to stay at a friends house at the last minute making excuses that they want to be out late.
Any of these signals are cause for you to check further by talking to your teen about your suspicions or asking the parents of your teen's friends, then making a decision to allow or not allow your teen to go.
Signs Your Teen Has Been Drinking
If your teen comes home from a party and you smell alcohol on their breath or clothing, it is a sure sign they have been out drinking. They may try to evade you or lie about why they could smell that way, but if the smell is there you will need to take some action. If your teen is stumbling, slurring their speech or acting out of character you can also assume there has been alcohol use. If your teen is throwing up and sick after a night out with friends, they may have a hangover. But, it is important that in all of these cases you take care of any medical issues and wait to talk to your teen about the drinking for when they are sober.
Signs Your Teen is Drunk
- Lowered inhibitions
- Poor concentration
- Slow reflexes
- Slow reaction time
- Reduced coordination
- Slower brain activity
- Sensations and perceptions that are less clear
- Slurred speech
- Sleepiness
- Altered emotions
- Poor vision
- Sleepiness and disruption of sleeping patterns
- Increased urine production
- More blood flow to skin surface
- Lower core body temperature
Serious Teen Drinking Signs:
According to the Surgeon General, when teens drink, they drink a lot at one time. Teens party with others and socially drink so they drink less often than adults. But when teens do drink, they consume more alcohol than adults. On average, young people have about 5 drinks on a single occasion. This is called binge drinking, a very dangerous way of drinking that can lead to serious problems and even death. If your teen is showing these signs, take them to the hospital immediately or they could suffer from alcohol poisoning, coma or even death:
- Vomiting
- Uncontrolled urination
- Uncontrolled defecation
- Breathing difficulties
- Passing out
Signs Your Teen Has a Drinking Problem or Addiction
Warning signs can help parents figure out if their teen is developing an alcohol problem. This can happen without you being aware as teens are good at hiding if they are using drugs and alcohol until it becomes a problem. Now these signs could point to another problem, but teen drinking is something you will need to rule out if you see your teen exhibiting these changes:
Behavioral Changes
- Experiencing school problems, poor attendance, low grades, and/or recent disciplinary action
- Rebelling against family rules
- Lying, breaking curfew or stealing
- Switching friends, along with a reluctance to let you get to know the new friends
- Having a sloppy appearance
- Lacking involvement in former interests
Emotional Changes
- Exhibiting mood changes, flare-ups, irritability, and defensiveness
- Having a "nothing matters" attitude
Mental Changes
- Having memory lapses
- Having poor concentration
If you see these signs combined with catching your teen drinking, seek professional help for them immediately.