In order to understand the controversial issue of alcoholism, it is necessary to explore some background information. Webster's Encyclopedia Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language defines alcoholism as "a diseased condition due to the excessive use of alcoholic beverages.” There is a great risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. The brain tissue can be destroyed and cannot be replaced. Peer pressure contributes to more and more teenagers consuming alcohol. Teenagers may not have much experience with alcohol, so it is hard for them to judge their own limits. Since they are less mature than adults, they are more likely to overact and lose control when intoxicated.
To show evidence of the effects of alcohol on teenagers, a couple of case studies have been selected. The first one involves Kevin, a 17-year-old high school senior. He was a gifted athlete and scholar until he turned to alcohol. The symptoms began to show up by Kevin annoying his basketball coach and being told to never come back to the team. His grades started to slip badly and was unaware that that the quantity of alcohol that he was consuming had a direct toll on him. When he finally realized that it was time to stop drinking, he could not do it. He finally recognized the fact that he had a problem, sought out help, and was cured.
The next study that was involved was a high school student who earned good grades and played football. Like many teenagers, he drank a bit on weekends with his friends. Although being drunk, he decided to drive home after a party. That particular night the roads were wet and snowy. He crashed into a utility pole and was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead. His parents knew of his drinking and would punish him hoping that he would stop. While being intoxicated, a persons' judgment and vision is impaired. Teenagers who feel no pain temporarily may indeed make wrong decisions.
The answer to teenage alcoholism as well as other teenage problems are a one word answer; parents. The people who gave birth to you are the ones that are responsible for you and are ultimately the ones who will suffer the most when things go bad. In most situations, the teen is living at home and is actually crying out for help. Parents hope for the best and pray that situations will work themselves out by themselves. Each generation has their own set of problems. Professional services are available and should be used. The parent must spend the time to know their teen.
