Studies have shown that children who are raised in single parent households are at a higher risk of developing alcohol-related problems. This could possibly be due to low supervision, inconsistent discipline, poor communication, or conflicts within the family. Teens with the highest risk of developing alcoholism are girls, those who begin drinking prior to age 14, and those with a parent who suffers from alcohol-related problems.
Alcohol contributes to a number of problems, including an inability to pay attention, the risk for developing alcoholism, car-related deaths, higher risk for suicide, greater possibility of engaging in unprotected sex or sex with a stranger, development of anxiety or depression, and the use of other drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, etc.
According to MedicineNet, the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse or alcoholism in teens include “lying, making excuses, breaking curfew, staying in their room, becoming verbally or physically abusive toward others, having items in their possession that are connected to alcohol use (paraphernalia), the smell of alcohol on their breath or body, mood swings, stealing, and changes in friends.”
Treatment for alcohol-related problems in single-parent teens include open communication between the parents and the teenager (this includes candidly expressing concerns and expectations related to drug and alcohol abuse), proper supervision, and participation in extracurricular school and community activities. It has been shown that most alcohol (and drug) use among teenagers occurs between the hours of 3:00 and 6:00 PM (the times between school getting out and parents returning home from work).
If you feel that your child has an alcohol-related problem, ensure that they receive the proper treatment. This may include family interventions, mental health and/or substance abuse counseling, in-patient alcohol rehabilitation, medications, emergency care (if alcohol poisoning is suspected), and incorporating the prevention measures mentioned above. It may also be useful to enroll your teen in a program, such as Alateen (a program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that is designed for teenagers).