Alcohol and adolescence seem to go hand in hand, as research shows that 72% of teens have consumed alcohol by high school graduation. Most American teens have grown up surrounded by alcohol, and may view it as a rite of passage into adulthood.
For some teens, alcohol consumption takes place in party situations. These teens tend to drink to impress or fit in with their peers. For others, drinking is a private affair that’s done to alleviate emotional pain. There are a number of risk factors:
- Alcohol abuse in the home
- Permissive attitude among peers of early alcohol consumption
- Addiction history in a close genetic family member
- Early age of first drink
- Co-occurring mental health disorder
Learn more about the risks and causes of teen drinking with these related articles.
Long Term Effects of Alcohol on Teenagers
Why You Shouldn’t Give Kids Alcohol At Home
Preventing Teen Drinking and Driving
Mental Health Effects of Alcohol
Effects of Teen Binge Drinking