Some of the warning signs listed below are systematic of normal teenage behavior. If you notice suddenly that more can be seen together and/or extreme in nature there could be a drinking problem.
Difference in the reaction to questions or just out of nowhere: temper outbreaks, irritability, and defensiveness.
School problems: skipping school and classes, low grades, could care less attitude about turning in homework, showing no respect to those in authority in the school, can not be controlled in the classroom, no respect to those who are older.
Attitude that I'm old enough to do what I want to and not follow anything their parents set down as to limits and restrictions.
Hanging out with a different crowd, when asked about previous friends - there's no comment or a shrug of a shoulder. When asked to bring the one's who they are currently hanging out with home so that you can meet them. You receive: "Why are you always on my back or into my business, don't I have the right to chose who I hang out with?"
Sluggish, hobbies or interests no longer hold your teen(s) attention, dressing like `Who done it' - sloppy, unkempt, no interest in life at all.
Intentionally or by accident finding alcohol or in your child's room, backpack or smelling it on their breath. *Young ones think that they have rights and going into their rooms or things is a breach of those rights. They don't pay rent, they don't buy food, they have no money to buy their entertainment wants, they don't buy their clothes and if it were not for their parents or guardians paying the rent or mortgage, they would have no where to live, under any or all of these so-called rights - they have none. * In some states if a teenager wants to run away from home and takes their clothes that they did not buy, they can be picked up for larceny.
Hard to remember what they were told by you the next day and forget about a week ago, it is difficult to concentrate or be focused, eyes are bloodshot, lack of coordination or slurred speech.
We must reiterate that some of these strange behaviors are just normal to being a teenager such as lack of memory or falling and stumbling over things. It is the combination of the above behavioral changes that parents must be on the lookout.
It is hard for some teenagers to believe that their parents or any adult knows anything.
There is nothing new under the sun, for many adults they have done that, been there and don't want to do any of it again. We do know what we are talking about and even if we never experienced it there is someone that we know who has.
Help
Focus Adolescent Services Phone# 410.341.4216
Call us and we will Listen to you, Answer your questions and Direct you to helping resources. http://www.focusas.com
Substance Abuse - Teenage Drinking. http://privateschool.about.com/cs/forparentsonly/a/teendrinking.htm
Substance Abuse - Teaching Teens to Cope. http://privateschool.about.com
Stop Underage Drinking Phone# 800.729.6686. http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/parents.aspx
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