The following are signs that your teenager might be drinking or have a drinking problem.
If at any stage you suspect anything, trust your instincts and talk to your child about it immediately.
Some of these signs are normal teenager behaviour.
However, if you spot several of them at the same time, or they suddenly appear or are extreme, then they might indicate a drinking problem.
Mood changes: tempers, irritability, defensiveness or aggression ·
Problems at school: missing school and bunking, pretending to be sick and staying at home, low grades, and/or disciplinary action · Rebelling against family rules · Changing friends and not wanting to introduce you to the new friends ·
Change of attitude and not caring about anything: sloppy dressing, not bathing, brushing hair or teeth, not being interested in activities they were interested in before · Finding alcohol in your teenager’s room or school bag or smelling alcohol on their breath ·
Physical and mental problems: blackouts, not being able to remember events, poor concentration, blood shot eyes, lack of coordination or slurred speech.
How can you help?
The introduction of alcohol into the home is a personal matter and is something that parents need to decide on.
If a parent does decide to allow access to alcohol, it is important to recognise the risks. How it is introduced, managed and discussed will differ from family to family but it is one of the responsibilities that parents have toward their children.
Start talking to them about alcohol when they are young. As a parent you should start explaining drinking to your children from a young age. It needs to start this young as they probably already talking to friends about it.
If you explain the dangers, they could think its cool and try a drink when offered. Do not be afraid that you will push them away by talking to them about the problem.
Teenagers need to know that you believe in them enough to take the time to talk and listen to them.
Your involvement can affect their decision-making, so believe in them and their future it will have a positive influence on them.
The AA Estcourt branch hosts meetings every Tuesday at Forderville Primary School from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Desigan on 082 849 3014.
