Alcohol use among teens is more common than many parents realize. According to recent statistics, 5.6 million youth ages 12 to 20 reported drinking alcohol beyond “just a few sips” in the past month. Early alcohol misuse can lead to serious health issues, both physically and mentally, as young people’s brains are still developing. As a parent, understanding the risks and knowing how to respond is crucial.1
If you suspect your teen is sneaking alcohol, the first step is to talk to them openly. Create a safe space for them to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Ask questions like, “I’ve noticed some changes lately—can we talk about what’s going on?” This approach shows your concern while allowing them to express themselves. Set clear expectations about alcohol use and explain the potential consequences. Remember, it’s important to stay calm and listen; this will help build trust between you and your teen.
At Guardian Recovery, we understand how tough it can be to navigate these challenges. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to handle the situation, we’re here to help. Our team offers resources and support tailored to your family’s needs, ensuring both you and your teen get the guidance they deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance—together, we can find a path to recovery and healing.
Start Healing Today!
Choose recovery and take control of your life, it’s the path to a brighter future filled with health, happiness, and fulfillment.
Why Teens Sneak Alcohol
Teens sneak alcohol for a host of reasons including:2-5
- Peer Pressure: Many teens feel pressured by friends to drink. A study found teens often reported drinking because their friends were doing it. Simply put, they want to fit in and be accepted.
- Curiosity: Teens are often curious about alcohol and want to see what it’s like. Teens report they want to try drinking just to find out how it makes them feel.
- Stress Relief: Some teens may sneak alcohol to cope with stress or anxiety. A recent survey indicated that one reason teens use alcohol as a way to relax or escape their problems.
- Lack of Awareness: Many teens don’t understand the risks associated with drinking. Not understanding the serious consequences of drinking can lead them to sneak alcohol.
- Access and Availability: If alcohol is easy to find at home or parties, teens might be more likely to sneak it. Teens report that it’s easy to get alcohol from family or friends.
Signs That Your Teen is Sneaking Alcohol
It can be tough to know if your teen is sneaking alcohol, but there are signs to look for if you suspect they may be drinking.
- Secrecy or new friends. If they start being more secretive or hanging out with different friends than in the past, this behavior may suggest your teen is using alcohol or other substances.
- Scent of alcohol. You might also catch a strong smell of alcohol on their breath or clothes.
- Emotional changes. Keep an eye out for mood swings, irritability, or feeling more tired than usual, as these can be warning signs, too.
Paying attention to these signs can help you understand what’s happening and can prompt you to open up a conversation with your teen.
Approaching the Conversation: How to Talk to Your Teen
Talking to your teen about alcohol can be tough, but it’s an important conversation to have. Try to find a relaxed moment—maybe while driving, at a park, or just hanging out at home. You might start with something like, “I’ve noticed you seem a little off lately. Is everything okay?” This opens the door for them to share their feelings.
Here’s a simple example of how a conversation could go:
You: “I’ve been thinking about you … you don’t seem like yourself lately. Can we chat?”
Teen: “Sure. It’s just… school and friends are really stressing me out.”
You: “I totally get that. Balancing everything can be hard. Have you felt any pressure to drink with your friends?”
Teen: “Yeah, sometimes they act like it’s no big deal.”
You: “That sounds rough. I understand why you’d feel like you need to fit in. What do you think about that?”
By asking open-ended questions and validating their feelings, you create a space where they feel safe to talk. The goal is to listen and support them, so they know they can come to you about anything.
Establishing Rules & Setting Boundaries About Alcohol Use
Setting clear rules about alcohol is important for your teen’s safety. Here are some easy rule-setting steps to follow:
- Share Your Beliefs: Talk to your teen about why you think avoiding alcohol is important. Explain the risks, like health problems and how it can affect their future.
- Make Clear Rules: Set specific rules, such as, “You can’t drink until you’re 21, and no drinking at home or parties.” Make sure they know exactly what is expected.
- Explain Consequences: Let your teen know what will happen if they break the rules. For example, they might lose privileges like driving or going out with friends.
- Encourage Talking: Tell your teen they can come to you if they feel pressured or have questions about drinking. Keeping the conversation open helps them feel supported.
- Be a Good Example: Show your teen how to make smart choices by being a good role model. Your actions can teach them how to handle alcohol responsibly.
By setting clear rules and boundaries, you help your teen make safe choices about alcohol and understand what you expect from them.
Complimentary Insurance Check
Find Out Today!
"*" indicates required fields
Educating Your Teen
Educating your teen about alcohol is crucial for helping them make informed choices. Research shows that teens who have open discussions with their parents about alcohol are less likely to drink.6
Start by talking about the facts. For example, the brain continues to develop until around age 25, and drinking at a young age can affect this development.7 Also share statistics, like how around 23% of high school students report drinking in the past month, to highlight that it’s a common issue.8
Provide resources that can help, such as websites like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), which offers facts and tips for teens. Encourage your teen to participate in school or community programs focused on alcohol awareness. By providing clear information and resources, you empower your teen to understand the risks and make safer choices regarding alcohol.9
Discussing the Risks & Consequences
When talking to your teen about alcohol, it’s important to discuss the risks and consequences clearly. Start by explaining how alcohol can affect their developing brain, which doesn’t fully mature until about age 25. Drinking during these critical years can lead to problems with memory, decision-making, and impulse control.
Share specific consequences, such as how underage drinking can result in legal issues, like fines or community service. Let them know that drinking can lead to risky behaviors, including impaired driving, accidents, and unprotected sex. Research shows that teens who drink are also more likely to struggle with mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Encourage your teen to think about the long-term effects as well, like how alcohol can impact their future, including academic performance and relationships. By discussing these risks openly, you help your teen understand the seriousness of alcohol use and empower them to make healthier choices.
Monitoring & Supervision
Keeping an eye on your teen is really important to help them stay safe from alcohol. First, know where they are and who they’re hanging out with. It’s helpful to talk to them about their plans and check in with a quick text or call. Getting to know their friends and their friends’ parents can also make a difference.
When you understand the places they go, it’s easier to help them make safe choices. At home, watch your alcohol supplies and keep them stored out of reach. Setting clear rules about curfews and activities can also help your teen know what’s expected of them. Being involved in their life shows that you care and want to support them in making good decisions.
When to Consider Counseling or Professional Help
Knowing when to seek counseling or professional help for your teen regarding alcohol use is important. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Changes in Behavior: If your teen becomes more withdrawn and secretive or starts hanging out with a different crowd, it could be a red flag.
- Declining Grades: A sudden drop in school performance or loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed may indicate deeper issues.
- Frequent Mood Swings: If your teen is experiencing extreme mood changes, irritability, or signs of depression, it’s worth looking into.
- Risky Behaviors: If they start engaging in dangerous activities, like driving under the influence, it’s time to seek help.
- Struggling to Cope: If your teen is having trouble managing stress or anxiety and is turning to alcohol as a way to cope, professional support can be beneficial.
- Family History of Substance Use: If there’s a family history of alcohol or substance misuse, it’s wise to be proactive and consider counseling.
Our Locations
Our Facilities & Teams Transform Lives
Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.
Delray Beach, Florida
Princeton, New Jersey
Denver, Colorado
Largo, Florida
Portland, Maine
Plymouth, New Hampshire
Pine Brook, New Jersey
Contact Us to Learn More About Addiction Recovery
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance misuse, Guardian Recovery can help. Often behavioral issues such as substance misuse are simply signs of underlying emotional or mental health challenges. Thus, our behavioral treatment for teens features an integrated approach, tackling the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges of each teen.
Plus, we focus on comprehensive healing and individualized care. Each client is assigned a case manager, who works with the treatment team to develop a unique, personalized recovery program.
Our boutique adolescent program usually includes a short stay in medical detox, followed by an immediate transition into higher care. While residential inpatient treatment often comes recommended, a client might opt to transition into a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP).
To make our treatment options as accessible as possible, we have developed a simple admissions process that can be completed in minutes over the phone.
Reach out now to speak with an admissions advisor at 888-483-1517 who can answer your questions, discuss treatment options, verify your insurance benefits, and explore other payment options. The call is free and confidential, and there’s no obligation to enter care. Recovery is possible. We can help.
SELF-ASSESSMENT:
Do I have an Addiction issue?
Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.(2024). Alcohol’s Effects on Health.
- Liu M, Zhao WQ, Zhao QR, Wang Y, Li SG. The impact of the peer effect on adolescent drinking behavior: instrumental-variable evidence from China. Front Psychiatry. 2023;14:1306220. Published 2023 Dec 21. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1306220.
- Nemour Teen Health.(n.d.). Alcohol (for teens).
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2023.) Too Soon = Too Dangerous.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2024). Get the Facts About Underage Drinking.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2023). Parenting To Prevent Childhood Alcohol Use
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2024). Alcohol and the Adolescent Brain.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Healthy Schools. (n.d.). Alcohol.
