Spotting the signs of underage drinking [Video]

It’s both dangerous and against the law, but young people between the ages of 12 and 20 are responsible for 11 percent of the alcohol consumed annually in the United States. Underage drinking also accounts for more than 4,300 deaths of young people in the U.S. each year. Here are some signs that may indicate a teenager has been abusing alcohol.

Major red flags include differences in sleep patterns, appetite, change of friends or physical appearance. When teens fall in with a social circle that drinks heavily, they may display a change in attitude and hang out in places and with people they did not associate with before. They may also lose interest in activities they used to participate in.

Underage drinking can lead to increased absences and diminishing performance in school. It also carries the risk of death by alcohol poisoning or drunk driving.

Spotting the signs of teen drinking can be tricky, but with the right treatment individuals can recover from substance abuse and addiction. Contact Fairwinds Treatment Center today to help a loved one struggling with alcohol abuse get on the path to recovery.