How To Discuss Alcohol Use W/Teens

New research shows that parents' behavior may unintentionally contribute to teenage alcohol abuse.

The study was commissioned by The Caron Treatment Centers and Harris Interactive.

Janice Styer is the Clinical Supervisor and addiction counselor with Caron.

Styer explained "I think parents have good intentions. However, they feel that their job is to teach no matter what that is, even if it's to teach their kids how to drink responsibly. And there is no such thing for an adolescent." Styer pointed out teenage brains are "in motion all the time and they can't tolerate that responsibility."

The study found that parents' behavior models a teens behavior more than people think. Parents can be more influential than teenage peers. "We aren't saying alcohol is bad for adults, it's using it under moderation. They will also present to their kids 'i've had a hard day at work, i'm using it to relax to feel better, to relieve stress.' That's the part that's dangerous. Because adolescents are filling this tool box of coping skills. So they will take that and use it. 'Alcohol is a coping skill.' I will take that and put it in my tool box."

30% of teenagers say they have had alcohol with parental supervision. 25% say they drink on special occasions.

For more information on Caron Treatment Centers and the study results go to:

http://www.caron.org/parenting-tips-and-tools.html