Factors Affecting Alcohol Abuse and Addiction Among Teens in the Us
Factors Affecting Alcohol Abuse and Addiction among Teens in the US
Name
University
Course
Tutor
Date
Factors Affecting Alcohol abuse and addiction Among Teens in the US
Alcohol abuse and addiction has become a very rampant phenomenon among the youths in the US especially in the recent past. Many youthful individuals in the US consume alcohol, this being despite the fact that the minimum legal age of drinking age has been set at 21 (Shaffer, LaPlante, & Nelson, 2012). Alcohol abuse may take the form of binge drinking (having more than five consecutive drinks) or being a frequent drinker. Biological and psychological factors demystify the progression of drinking from just using, to abuse, and later on to dependence.
During these teenage years, young people try to develop an identity and get acceptance among their peers. They are subjected to various forms of pressures such as performing well in studies as well as extra-curricular activities such as sports. Getting into college is also another tricky and competitive process and many teens are weary of the possibility of causing a disappointment to their parents or themselves (Erickson, 2011). The teenagers may also be facing problems at home or hardships in their romantic relationships or social interactions. Research has shown that teenagers are more impulsive as compared to their adult counterparts and thus may act before putting into consideration the consequences that may arise from their actions. Some of the factors that may influence teenagers to abuse alcohol may range from the below mentioned factors.
Family history is a major factor contributing to alcohol abuse. A research carried out by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry revealed that teenagers with members of their family having a history of substance abuse bear an eminent risk of falling into the same trap (Kuhar, 2012). A teen raised in a household where either or both of the parents are alcoholics may deem it an
Name
University
Course
Tutor
Date
Factors Affecting Alcohol abuse and addiction Among Teens in the US
Alcohol abuse and addiction has become a very rampant phenomenon among the youths in the US especially in the recent past. Many youthful individuals in the US consume alcohol, this being despite the fact that the minimum legal age of drinking age has been set at 21 (Shaffer, LaPlante, & Nelson, 2012). Alcohol abuse may take the form of binge drinking (having more than five consecutive drinks) or being a frequent drinker. Biological and psychological factors demystify the progression of drinking from just using, to abuse, and later on to dependence.
During these teenage years, young people try to develop an identity and get acceptance among their peers. They are subjected to various forms of pressures such as performing well in studies as well as extra-curricular activities such as sports. Getting into college is also another tricky and competitive process and many teens are weary of the possibility of causing a disappointment to their parents or themselves (Erickson, 2011). The teenagers may also be facing problems at home or hardships in their romantic relationships or social interactions. Research has shown that teenagers are more impulsive as compared to their adult counterparts and thus may act before putting into consideration the consequences that may arise from their actions. Some of the factors that may influence teenagers to abuse alcohol may range from the below mentioned factors.
Family history is a major factor contributing to alcohol abuse. A research carried out by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry revealed that teenagers with members of their family having a history of substance abuse bear an eminent risk of falling into the same trap (Kuhar, 2012). A teen raised in a household where either or both of the parents are alcoholics may deem it an