One of the worst things that some parents have to deal with is a child with a drinking problem. One of the worst things that can happen in any family is facing alcoholism in teenager.
The research revealed that teenagers in each category came from a variety of family and social backgrounds with both positive and negative influences on their behavior. The basic motive for starting to use alcohol and drugs by all respondents of all types was curiosity, the desire to have new experiences or copy popular figures’ lifestyles.
The findings revealed that teenagers could be divided into four broad categories - “Dabblers”, “Unaware dependents”, “Repenters” and “Pessimists” - based on the frequency and amount of their alcohol use; deviation from more normal patterns of life, such as regular attendance at educational institutions or holding down a job; and their own perceptions about the degree of their addiction to alcohol.
MAIN PART
REASONS
The basic motive for starting to use alcohol and drugs by all respondents of all types was curiosity, the desire to have new experiences. They wanted to copy popular figures’ lifestyles - consider using drugs prestigious, fashionable, symbolizing status and belonging to a circle of elites.
Often the reason for the first trial was stress, such as a psychological condition because of family problems and conflicts with parents and teachers.
Some come from family environments where parents are alcoholics who promote the drinking of alcohol.
A TYPOLOGY OF TEENAGERS AT RISK
“Dabblers”
Some just started using alcohol and/or drugs recently. Most live normal lives, are socially active, have hobbies or go in for sports.
• Episodic use of alcohol and soft drugs – usually in social gathering 1 to 3 times a week.
• They prefer rather weak alcoholic drinks - beer, alcohol cocktails (3-4 bottles/cans), wine (one bottle).
• They use soft drugs incidentally.
• They began using alcohol/drugs through their desire to become an...