Can alcoholism run in the family? The Impact on Teens

Alcohol is the number one substance used by teens and a growing problem that affects their development, physical health, school performance, and relationships. Some teens with a history of alcoholism in their family may be at a higher genetic risk of suffering from alcoholism, especially if they experience trauma or high-stress situations. 

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It’s helpful for parents to recognize the warning signs of alcohol use in teens and what drives their drinking to provide them with early intervention & proper support. 

What is Teen Alcoholism? 

Sometimes it is normal for teens to experiment with alcohol. It is the number one substance used by teens with over 30% of 12-20-year-olds reporting they have had alcohol at least once. Of these 30, about 15% of teens meet the criteria of an alcohol use disorder. 

Teenage alcoholism is classified as frequent and excessive drinking. Many teens may consume high amounts of alcohol in a short period. This is also known as “binge” drinking and is common among teens, especially college students. Teens who drink heavily may struggle with underlying mental health problems, trauma, and social or academic pressure. 

The four general symptoms of alcoholism in teens include: 

• Cravings 
• Inability to control drinking 
• Physical dependence
• Increased tolerance

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Alcoholism can be detrimental to the developing teen brain. It can slow down the growth of key regions that control emotions, reasoning skills, and motivation. Alcohol addiction in teens can also strain relationships, cause problems in school, and impact success in adulthood. 

Recognize Warning Signs 

It is important for parents to recognize the warning signs of alcohol addiction to provide early intervention and support. Signs your teen may struggle with alcoholism include: 

• Frequent symptoms of a hangover (nausea, vomiting, headaches) 
• Sudden decline in academics 
• Skipping school 
• Finding alcohol in their room or alcohol missing from the home
• Secretive behavior 
• Slurred speech
• Smell of alcohol on their breath
• Social isolation
• Irritability or Aggression

Causes of Teen Alcoholism

There is no one single cause of teenage alcoholism. Biological, environmental, and psychological factors can all play a role in increasing the risk of a teen developing a problem with alcohol. These include: 

• Genetics
• Watching family members struggle with alcoholism 
• Underlying mental health problems 
• Victim of bullying
• Trauma
• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse 
• Teen curiosity & experimentation 

Can It Run In Families? 

Alcoholism has an increased risk of genetic susceptibility. Research conducted on children of alcoholics has shown that increased genetic factors play a role in developing alcoholism by 4x the rate. There is no single gene that is responsible for alcoholism, however, a combination of genes, especially if triggered by stress or trauma can heighten the risk of alcohol addiction. 

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Although genes play a large role in whether a teen is vulnerable to alcoholism, this is not the only determining factor. Having available alcohol in the home or observing family members drink heavily can also increase the risk. Teens learn from observation, and alcoholism in families may be taught through socialization rather than just passed down through genetics. 

Effects of Drinking on Teenage Body

Teens are in a sensitive period of growth marked by several biological & hormonal changes. Alcohol can screw up hormones and deplete the body of vital nutrients for growth. Some physical health problems linked to teenage alcoholism include:  

• Heart Disease 
• Increase Blood Pressure 
• Oral Cancer 
• Inflammation
• Kidney Damage 
• Liver Cirrhosis 

Alcohol Abuse & Teenage Mental Health 

Not only does alcohol visibly affect the physical health & development of teens. It can also bring to the surface underlying mental health problems, or be used as a negative coping skill for emotional pain. Alcohol is a depressant and slows down the central nervous system. If teens build up a tolerance to alcohol, when they try to go without drinking this can cause increased aggression, personality changes, depression, and anxiety. 

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Alcoholism can also cause memory loss, trouble concentrating, or difficulty with problem-solving. It can impact the quality of relationships, increase bad judgment, and decrease school performance. New neural connections are constantly forming in the teen brain. Alcoholism can disrupt these connections, leading to stunted development. 

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According to the Child Mind Institute, almost half of teens with an untreated mental health disorder will end up abusing substances. One study found that of 10,000 13-18-year-olds who developed an alcohol addiction, also experienced an underlying mental health disorder. 

Treatment for Teen Alcohol Addiction 

Lotus Behavioral Health helps teens recovering from alcohol addiction and other substance abuse disorders recover and gain the skills they need to return to their communities. Our comprehensive treatment programs take a family-first approach to help teens build a support system that supports their long-term recovery & success. 

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Sources 

Association of Lifetime Mental Disorders and Subsequent Alcohol and Illicit Drug Use: Results From the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement. National Library of Medicine. 

‍Mental Health Disorders and Teen Substance Abuse. Child Mind Institute. 

‍Statistics on Underage Drinking. Responsibility.org.