Alcohol Teenagers

Overview

This article explains what alcohol use by teenagers means, why it matters, and how you can help a teenager make safe choices.

Yes. Many teenagers say they have tried alcohol before they turn 18. Experimenting is common, but regular drinking can be harmful.

Teenagers aged 13 to 17, though some start earlier. It affects young people of all backgrounds, but some are more at risk than others.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden changes in mood or behaviour
• Smelling of alcohol or using breath fresheners
• Becoming secretive or avoiding family activities

Symptoms in children

• Falling grades or loss of interest in hobbies
• New friends who are older or known for risky behaviour
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things

Symptoms in older adults

• While this article focuses on teenagers, the same signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech and unsteadiness, can affect anyone.

Causes

Main causes

• Peer pressure and wanting to fit in
• Curiosity and experimenting with adult behaviours
• Using alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or sadness

Risk factors

• Having parents or close family who drink heavily
• Easy access to alcohol at home or in the community
• Poor supervision or lack of parental monitoring
• Mental health conditions like depression or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If the teenager has emergency symptoms, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If the teenager says they want to stop drinking but cannot, or they feel shaky, sweaty, or sick when not drinking, seek help the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are worried about your teenager's drinking habits or behaviour, ask your GP or school nurse for advice.

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional will ask you and your teenager about drinking habits, lifestyle, and any problems. There is no single test for alcohol misuse.

Tests that may be done

• A short questionnaire about drinking habits
• A physical examination to look for signs of alcohol-related harm
• Blood tests to check for physical effects on the body, such as liver function

What to expect at your appointment

A discussion with a GP is confidential. The healthcare professional will explain the risks, listen to your concerns, and suggest helpful next steps, such as counselling or family support.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on helping the teenager reduce or stop drinking, build healthy coping tools, and improve family relationships. Most support is through talking therapy and education.

Self-care at home

• Talk openly and calmly with the teenager about alcohol risks
• Set clear family rules about drinking and the legal limits
• Praise positive activities and help them find new interests
• Follow up with school counselling or support services

Medical treatments

In some cases, a doctor may recommend specialist services, such as adolescent addiction services. These use talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and family therapy. Medication is rarely used for teenagers, but a specialist team can decide what is best.

Living with this condition

Living with a teenager who drinks can be stressful. Keep communication open, try to stay calm, and focus on understanding the reasons behind their drinking.

Lifestyle tips

• Encourage regular exercise and hobbies that do not involve alcohol
• Help them identify friends who support a healthy lifestyle
• Plan alcohol-free family activities and celebrations

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular exercise support brain development and improve mood, which can reduce the desire to use alcohol to cope.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Alcohol can make anxiety and depression worse. If your teenager is feeling very low or having thoughts of self-harm, get help immediately. In a crisis, call your local emergency number or a mental health crisis line.

Prevention

Yes. Open conversations about alcohol, setting clear expectations, and being a good role model can all reduce the chance a teenager will start drinking.

Complications

If left untreated

• Alcohol dependence (addiction) later in life
• Poor school performance and reduced career chances
• Brain development problems, affecting memory and judgement
• Increased risk of accidents, injuries, and unprotected sex
• Long-term physical problems, including liver damage

Long-term outlook

The outlook is positive. Most teenagers who experiment with alcohol do not go on to have serious problems. With early support, understanding, and professional help when needed, teenagers can develop healthier habits and lead happy lives.

Find support

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