My 17-Year-Old Is Drinking Alcohol
«My 17-year-old has been drinking alcohol more and more and I’m worried it’s becoming a dependancy. At what stage should I look into addiction intervention for teenagers? She doesn’t live with me and lives with her friends after they dropped out of school, and they enable this behaviour.”
It is often the case that as parents of teenagers, we feel helpless when we see they are taking a wrong path. You mention that your daughter does not live with you, so I am not sure how your relationship is.
If you get on well, chat with her to find out her views about alcohol. It is not about lecturing her but about asking her opinions about alcohol, learn how much and when she drinks, and her friends’ attitude towards alcohol. If you two are not close, perhaps there is another trusted adult in her life that can check on her and gently raise the issue.
It may also be a good idea for you to talk to her teachers to check if they are noticing any change in her behaviour or her grades. The school counsellor could also be a good person to talk to.
Try to stay in your daughter’s life. Remember that teenagers who have a warm and open relationship with their caregivers are less likely to engage in risky behaviours, such as drinking alcohol. At the same time, our children learn more from what we do than from what we say, so be a good role model for her regarding this issue.
The context we live in also influences our behaviour, so if your daughter’s flatmates are drinking heavily, it is more likely that she will drink. Changing her living arrangements could also be a good idea.
Addressing alcohol-related issues is complex because there are many different factors that underpin it. We have a wonderful therapist specialized in alcohol addiction that I could put you in touch with if you are interested.
You may find these articles useful:
How Can I Recognize Alcohol Misuse in Teenagers?
How Can I Support my Daughter through Challenging Teen Years?
Executive Functions: Discover Everything You Need to Know
I wish you and your baby all the very best.
Love,
Ana
