Causes of Teen Drinking

Alcoholism has become a grave problem in today’s society. The increase in alcohol consumption among our population has trickled down to our teens. Even teens below the legal age for drinking are involved in drinking alcohol. There are a number of reasons why teens drink. Some of these reasons include; peer pressure, teenage problems, defiance, and possibly having family members who drink.

Peer pressure acts as a catalyst to teen drinking. Many teens tend to emulate the behavior of their peers so as not to be singled out as odd or different. They feel that it is easier to join the crowd and do what everyone else is doing instead of daring to be different. Thus, when they go out or have parties most of the teens who do not usually engage in drinking are encouraged or forced to drink by their peers. Many of them give in to the pressure.

In addition to peer pressure, teens sometimes use alcohol as an escape from problems. Just as adults have problems teens also have problems. The difference is that, adults may have better strategies for coping with problems than teenagers. Teens are faced with a host of problems and challenges every day. Many of them do not know how to cope with these problems or who to talk to. These teens tend to resort to drinking alcohol so as to forget their troubles.

The teen years are difficult for many of our teenagers. Since they are in transition between adulthood and childhood they sometimes do not know how to act. During that time they try to assert themselves and show that they are independent. Some of them use alcohol consumption as a signal to their parents of their independence. Those who grow up in strict homes where the intake of alcohol is not permitted use drinking as a form of defiance to their parents.

Additionally, the environment that children are raised in has a great impact on their lives. The teens that grow up in homes where there are alcoholics or where there are no limits to alcohol consumption may engage in the same behavior. In those instances, drinking alcohol is like the norm for these kids. Many of them have the alcohol within their reach and so it is easily accessible.

These are just a few of the basic reasons why teens drink. There are lots of others that we can think of. However, just knowing the reasons are not enough. It is important that by knowing the reasons we can plan proper programs and strategies to combat teen drinking.