Some teenagers seem to enjoy drinking and like the way they feel when their inhibitions are reduced. But others tend to lose control of their actions – which often leads to drama, destruction, and sometimes even tragedy. So how much is too much? It is important for teens to recognize the warning signs of intoxication and know how to prevent alcohol from threatening their health – or even their life.

A single serving of alcohol is defined as a drink that contains 13.7 grams of pure alcohol. This amount is the equivalent of 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, 8 ounces of malt liquor, and 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liquor or distilled spirits. However, actual alcohol content may vary slightly among different brands of alcoholic beverages.

The legal levels of alcohol in the blood and the age for drinking are both defined by law. In the United States, people younger than 21 years of age are not permitted to consume any alcohol at all. Persons who are 21 and older cannot operate a motor vehicle if their blood alcohol level is 0.08 percent or higher. Most other countries allow the purchase and consumption of alcohol to adults above the age of 18.

 

Alcohol is classified as a drug that can cause a person to become addicted to it. Though alcohol may initially stimulate the mind, it is actually a depressant that can impair judgment, coordination, and thinking. As a result, intoxicated people are more prone to cause accidental injuries to themselves or others. Because alcohol lowers a person’s inhibitions, it can trigger unpredictable behavior such as self–harm, violence, traffic accidents, or criminal activity. 

Persistent drinkers experience a feeling of pleasure after consuming alcohol, but over time require a larger amount of alcohol to achieve that pleasurable state. This phenomenon is called building up a tolerance to alcohol. As a result, regular drinkers gradually develop physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, and some are unable to live without it.

 

Besides, addiction, alcohol can cause grievous long-term health problems. Excessive drinking causes unhealthy levels of alcohol to build up in the bloodstream, which can affect various organ systems over time. Most notably, alcohol has an adverse effect on the liver, where numerous chemical reactions process nutrients to produce energy. Regular heavy drinking can cause inflammation, deterioration, and scarring in the liver.

In addition, alcohol affects the digestive system by interfering with the absorption of nutrients. It can also influence the rhythm of the heart, which can lead to heart failure or stroke. Alcohol aggravates diabetes by inhibiting the release of glucose into the bloodstream. It can also cause sterility or menstrual irregularities in women and impotency in men. Women who drink heavily have a greater chance of giving birth to children who have physical deformities, developmental anomalies, or reduced mental capabilities. Alcohol makes the bones brittle and porous, which increases the risk of fractures. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over a lengthy period of time can adversely affect thinking, memory, coordination, and gait. It increases the risk of cancer in the liver, colon, breast, and other organs. Finally, alcoholics have higher rates of suicide and homicide.

If it becomes apparent that a person is addicted to alcohol, he or she should take the problem seriously and seek help. This often begins when alcoholics tell a trusted friend or family member about their condition. Since the support of friends and family is vital in successfully battling alcoholism, it is essential for the addict to enlist these people in helping him or her give up alcohol.

Alcohol becomes a problem when it starts affecting the social, domestic, or professional life of an individual. Children and teenagers may lag behind in school, and adults may exhibit poor performance at work. Strained interpersonal relationships, domestic problems, and abusive behavior are clear indicators that someone’s alcohol consumption is becoming problematic. Some alcoholics shun other people and drink alone. Others indulge in illegal activity and may continually run against the criminal justice system.

Another warning sign of alcoholism is what happens when a person stops consuming alcohol for a few days (or even several hours) in a row. In addition to a maddeningly strong desire to drink alcohol, he or she may experience tremors, anxiety, headaches, sweating, and other physical symptoms. This is called going through withdrawal, which is the body’s reaction to alcohol dependence.

Though it sometimes provides a temporary “high,” alcohol is ultimately harmful to a person’s health – especially for teenagers whose bodies are still growing and developing. So saying “no” to alcohol is more than just standing up to peer pressure – it’s a choice than can protect a teen’s health.

The first thing that an alcoholic should do is to avoid alcohol completely. This may require enduring a few days of withdrawal symptoms as the body weans itself off of alcohol. The person should stay away from establishments where alcohol is sold or served and remove all alcoholic beverages from the home, vehicle, workplace, and other locations. It is a good idea to consult a doctor or health care provider to learn strategies to help give up alcohol and to obtain referrals to alcohol rehabilitation centers. Sometimes, doctors can prescribe medications that can help to reduce the cravings for alcohol. Joining a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous is often a key aspect of recovery from alcoholism.