Why do young people drink

On this page. This is because teenagers are struggling with two important changes to the brain during adolescence: Puberty switches on a capacity for strong emotions, impulsive behaviour and a need for sensations.

Learning the facts about smoking or drinking may not stop them trying because the sensation-seeking part of their brain drowns out sense. The development of the thinking brain that assesses risks, plans ahead, sees consequences and governs self-control is not fully developed until 16 or 17 years old and even then it still needs fine tuning well into the 20s 2. They copy your drinking habits As young children many of the toys they played with were things that mimicked what they saw mum and dad doing — shopping, cooking or cleaning, feeding dolls or fixing cars.

Teenagers drink alcohol to be like their friends From a very early age children want to fit in. They want to be like their older siblings Parents with more than one child will recognise the struggle you can have when one of your children reaches the age to be granted a privilege and their younger sibling wants it too. Young people see alcohol and drinking all around them Young people are bombarded with examples of drink and drinking everywhere — on TV, in magazines, in social media.

They may have problems — with themselves, family, school or friends Other than socialising or to unwind, one of the main reasons why some people drink alcohol is to try and cope with problems or stress. Adolescents want to test you, your rules, your boundaries and their limits Parents will experience their young children wanting to strike out on their own: they want to drop your hand and walk alone, to play in the park with friends without you.

Further advice and information Arming yourself with strategies and tips can help you or a loved one take small steps towards big results. The law. Teenage drinking. Teenagers, parties and alcohol. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.

All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Skip to main content. Young people Home Young people Alcohol and teenagers. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet.

On this page. Teen alcohol usage statistics How parents can encourage responsible drinking Preventing young people from risky drinking Alcohol and its health risks for young people Schoolies week and alcohol Mixing alcohol with other drugs Where to get help. The safest level of alcohol drinking for children and young people is not drinking.

How parents can encourage responsible drinking Studies have shown that the most influential role models for children are their parents and carers. Children learn by imitation, so it is important to demonstrate sensible drinking behaviour such as: Drink moderately or not at all. Never drink and drive. Suggestions include: Be a good role model. Teach your child about alcohol from an early age. Explain the downside of heavy and binge drinking such as vomiting, head spins, passing out and hangovers.

Educate your teenager on the links between drinking and risky behaviour — such as the increased risk of accidents and injury, and how alcohol impacts the ability to make decisions. Teach your teenager sensible tactics such as — how to say no, sticking to the standard drink recommendations, pacing themselves, alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks and not drinking on an empty stomach.

Talk about the dangers of drink-driving — plan some alternatives such as catching public transport, designated drivers or calling home. Encourage your teenager to talk with their friends about the dangers of alcohol, so they can come up with ways to look out for each other. Preventing young people from risky drinking According to research, there are many important factors to help reduce the likelihood of a young person engaging in risky drinking.

As well as being a good role model, suggested ways parents and carers can help their child include: Try to have a good relationship — encourage open communication. Help them to feel a sense of belonging with family, school or through activities and hobbies such as a sporting club. If you think you have a drinking problem, get help as soon as possible. The best approach is to talk to an adult you trust.

If you can't approach your parents, talk to your doctor, school counselor, clergy member, aunt, or uncle. It can be hard for some people to talk to adults about these issues, but a supportive person in a position to help can refer students to a drug and alcohol counselor for evaluation and treatment.

In some states, this treatment is completely confidential. After assessing a teen's problem, a counselor may recommend a brief stay in rehab or outpatient treatment. These treatment centers help a person gradually overcome the physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. Sometimes people live in homes where a parent or other family member drinks too much. This may make you angry, scared, and depressed. Many people can't control their drinking without help.

This doesn't mean that they love or care about you any less. Alcoholism is an illness that needs to be treated just like other illnesses. People with drinking problems can't stop drinking until they are ready to admit they have a problem and get help.

This can leave family members and loved ones feeling helpless. The good news is there are many places to turn for help: a supportive adult, such as your guidance counselor, or a relative or older sibling will understand what you're going through. Also, professional organizations like Alateen can help.

If you have a friend whose drinking concerns you, make sure he or she stays safe. Don't let your friend drink and drive, for example. If you can, try to keep friends who have been drinking from doing anything dangerous, such as trying to walk home at night alone or starting a fight. And protect yourself, too. Don't get in a car with someone who's been drinking, even if that person is your ride home. Ask a sober adult to drive you instead or call a cab.

Everyone makes decisions about whether to drink and how much — even adults. This may unlock all sorts of possibilities when it comes to promoting moderate drinking across the population at large.

The rise in interest in drink-free challenges, for example, and healthier lifestyles more generally, suggests the cultural climate is ripe for putting non-drinking centre stage in public health promotion materials. Pubs and clubs are no longer the go-to space for people to socialise, thanks to diverse cultural factors including increased numbers of young people who do not drink and the increased acceptability of non-drinking as a social option.

Understanding these changes is an ongoing process. Portsmouth Climate Festival — Portsmouth, Portsmouth. Edition: Available editions United Kingdom. Become an author Sign up as a reader Sign in. Dominic Conroy , University of East London.