By: D.J. Venne. Alcohol is a major factor in teens life. In fact, it affects nearly 3 million teens in the United States.

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1 By: D.J. Venne According to the American Heritage Dictionary, alcoholism is a compulsive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is a major factor in teens life. In fact, it affects nearly 3 million teens in the United States. Factors that help create the desire for alcohol consumption: Alcohol industries spend nearly $ 2 Billion a year on alcohol related commercials (advertising). There are between million alcoholics in the United States.

2 Users feel it creates a more fun atmosphere* Users feel it creates a better peer connection* Users feel it creates a stronger bond between friends* * A 2000 survey completed by SIU Core Institute from 55,000 students in 2 4 years colleges around the nation. Studies show that those who suffer from depression have a greater risk of becoming an alcoholic than those who do not suffer from depression. Other factors which result in a higher risk of alcoholism include: Poverty Regular binge drinking in high school Teens who live in rural areas

3 Drinking in order to get the high feeling frequently A higher tolerance of consumption each time he/she drinks Loss of control (alcohol changes the brain s chemicals and the individual loses control of their personality) Physical Dependence (cold sweats, trembling in the body, and nausea) Hiding alcohol throughout the house, and sometimes, even the car or work There are a few things that teachers can observe from possible students with an alcoholic problem: Smell of alcohol from the individual s breath Mood swings/change in personality A continuation of absences A rough home life These are just a few symptoms that teachers can observe from a student with a possible alcohol problem; however, if they ever feel there is a problem, they should always contact a social worker/counselor at the school and let them discuss it with the student.

4 When children live in an environment associated with alcohol, their chances of becoming an alcoholic increase. In fact, 2-4 times more. If a person has a dark childhood, many adults turn to alcohol when they get older; it is a way to escape. It gives the high feeling that comforts people, and they feel that they have total control. Peer pressure has a huge impact on teen drinking; if this occurs early in adolescence, there is a good chance it will continue into the individual s future. Yes, but alcoholism is something that stays with the person forever. Even if they remain sober for 30 years, they will always continue to be an alcoholic. There are two methods that many people can go through to refrain from alcohol: Detox and AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). Detox is a method that is medically monitored by trained professionals (in a hospital) while the individual withdraws from the alcohol in their body. This is a very dangerous thing to do alone because there are some issues that they will go through that can cause harm/hurt them (examples include:

5 physical problems, seizures, and possibly death. Another popular method is AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). This is a support group where alcoholics meet and discuss their problems and they try to help one another with the Day By Day approach. Each person, if they want, will buddy up with someone and together they can count on each other and make a call to them whenever they feel tempted to have a drink. AA has been around for over 50 years, and because of alcoholism s huge existence there are support groups all over the world. Sources: The American Heritage Dictionary. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: the Sciences & Engineering. Vol 60(12-B). Effects of physical abuse on hospitalized adolescent children of alcoholics. Afsarifard, Farshid Narconon of South California. Rehab Center. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: the Sciences & Engineering. Vol 62(1-B). The relationship between parental mental health, family rituals, family environment, and the resiliency of adolescents of alcoholic parents. Skibbee, Deborah Bregenzer The Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study Statistics come from the Governor's Task Force on Substance Abuse, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Substance Abuse Services Alliance, Oklahoma Academy for State Goals, and the Betty Ford Center.

6 Websites: These are a few websites that will help with learning more about alcoholism along with some facts