The Opioid Crisis in America - Part IV (Drug Abuse Among America's Teens)

can even impair the development of the frontal regions of the brain.
2. Increases Your Risk of Adult Alcoholism
People who start drinking as teens greatly increase their chances of developing
alcoholism as an adult. Drinking when you are young increases your chances of
developing with a lifelong problem. In fact, teens who drink before the age of 15 are
40% more likely to develop alcohol dependency as an adult. The earlier a person
begins drinking the more likely they are to develop alcohol-related problems as an adult.
If you’re a parent of a teen who you suspect is drinking, it’s important to talk to them, or
get them the required help as soon as possible.
3. Frequent Alcohol Use Can Bring About Co-Occurring Disorders
Drinking alcohol on a regular basis has been linked to a number of disorders, including:
low self esteem
anxiety disorders
antisocial behavior
increased chances of dependency on other drugs
Frequent use of alcohol will bring out, or enable, any existing disorders. In order to
effectively deal with any issues with alcohol that might be present, you’ll also need to
treat any existing symptoms.
4. Can Develop Several Long Term Health Conditions
Chronic health issues may not be seen immediately, as they take much longer to show
up. However, heavy drinking as a teen will put at you an increased risk towards
developing serious health problems as an adult. Some of the health problems are as
follows:
liver cirrhosis
anemia
hypertension
pancreatitis
hepatitis
heart problems
cancer
Chronic alcohol use as a teen, especially, if the use is continued as an adult, will only
increase your chances of developing any of the above disorders. Alcohol wreaks havoc
on your health as an adult, and the problems you experience as you age will only
become amplified by teenage drinking.
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