There is no denying that teenagers are responsible for our bright future. Guiding them towards a better tomorrow is our responsibility. In order to ensure that they are moving in the right direction, we need to keep them away from all hazardous addictions. Unfortunately, there has been a significant rise in the consumption of alcohol amongst teenagers across the world. Teen drinking is a serious problem which most countries are encountering.

Although alcohol consumption under 21 is illegal, there are a lot of teenagers indulging in heavy drinking. According to a recent study, the average age at which a teenager starts drinking is 15. On the other hand, studies also reveal that youths who reach 21 without being slave to any kind of addictions are likely to avoid addictions in their future life as well.

The worst part is that most teenagers who have fallen prey to alcoholism are not aware of the harmful effects of this disease.

The causes and reasons for drinking amongst teenagers are different from that of elders. Youngsters are more prone to become an addict in comparison to adults, due to inadequate knowledge and less tolerance level. Also the regions of the brain that controls impulsions and motivation level amongst human beings are not completely formed in teenagers, which is why they are unable to control their carvings for any kind of addiction.

While elders usually resort to drinking to get rid of their day to day stress, teenagers usually drink to celebrate or to express their excitement. Alcohol consumption is wrongly considered as fashion by most teenagers, and they quickly fall into peer pressure in order to avoid being mocked by them. They view alcohol drinking as a "cool" fashionable factor which will enhance their outer personality amongst their peers.

Studies reveal that large numbers of teenagers are being victim to depression. Depression often leads to rise in alcohol intake amongst teenagers. Children raised in violent home or surrounding are also more prone to become alcoholic in their future life.

Most teenage crimes across the world are under the influence of alcohol. There has been a great surge in the number of teenage crimes reported across the world in the past few years. Any such incident has the potential to destroy the blossoming career of most teenagers in no time. Extreme mood swings, poor hygiene, memory loss and redness of the eyes and skin are a few symptoms of teen drinking.

Alcoholism amongst teenagers can be a real problem for them in their future life as well. This can act as a great hindrance for their academic studies and their ambitions. Elders should pay attention to the early signs of alcoholism amongst teenagers, and guide them towards a better life explaining them about the hazards of excessive drinking.

One should take notice of their child’s peers and hangout locations to make sure that they are not keeping bad company. Counseling by elders go a long way in securing their future. Educating children about the right culture and fashion is of essence to keep them away from such dreadful habits.

Mark Perry

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