Teen alcohol and substance abuse remains a critical concern for adults who work with and care about teens. Easy access, peer pressure, alcohol advertising targeting teens, and other factors continue to work against efforts to keep kids alcohol and drug free.
Much has been studied and written about teens who drink and the negative consequences on their academic achievement, health, and other risky behaviors. Two new studies, however, go beyond immediate concerns and focus on how teen drinking may impact negative outcomes as teens grow into adults.
Teen Alcohol Misuse Continues into Adulthood
Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine undertook a literature review and found that higher alcohol consumption among 15 to 19 year-olds tended to continue into adulthood. There were also connections between alcohol consumption and later physical, mental, and social difficulties, though the evidence was not enough to claim a causal link.
The researchers called for more studies on this topic, saying that there was a need for more information about how alcohol consumption in adolescence contributes to consumption in adulthood, as well as other problems.
Teen Substance Abuse Impacts Adulthood
Yasmina Molero Samuelson at Sweden’s Center for Psychiatric Research (CPF), Karolinska Institute found that young people who misuse drugs and alcohol are at an increased risk for doing so as adults. The study looked at two groups of adolescents who were treated for drug abuse in Sweden, and then compared these young people to matched sample of young people who had not received such treatment.
Despite treatment, those adolescents with the substance abuse problems were more likely to experience physical, financial, and mental health problems. This group also experienced more suicide attempts, accidents, and premature death.
Much focus of adolescent substance abuse has been on mitigating the negative consequences that occur during adolescence, such as poor academic achievement, delinquent behavior, and health risks. However, this new research presents compelling reasons to keep in mind that the negative outcomes may persist long after adolescence is over. As adults, these teens will continue to experience poor health and social outcomes that may even negatively impact their own children.
Teen substance abuse continues to be a growing public health concern. Finding ways to help these adolescents remains a difficult and critical challenge. Understanding more about the negative impact of teen drinking can help.
Sources:
Pedersen, Traci. Teen Substance Abuse Often Continues into Middle Age, Psych Central, February 11, 2011.
Prime, Louise. Heavy Drinking Teens Face Health Problems Later, Onmedica, February 12, 2011.
Susan Carney - I have been working as a middle school counselor with 6th and 7th grade students for the past thirteen years. I received a BA in ...
Join the Conversation