Teen drinking is a serious concern for many parents.
Learn the dos and don’ts of dealing with a drunk teenager.
We also offer tips on how to keep the teen safe amidstalcohol’s risks.
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Stay Calm
Seeing our teenager in a drunken state can cause us to feel many different emotions.
We might feel frightened, annoyed, or even angry.
Whatever we’re experiencing emotionally, it’s important tostay calm and in controlwhile dealing with them.
When a teen is drunk, they are in a vulnerable state, both physically and mentally.
Just be aware that most people underestimate how much alcohol they have consumed, especially in home-poured drinks.
This kind of situation can quickly escalate, making it important to diffuse it as fast as possible.
Rehydrate the Teen
Encourage the teen to slowly sip water to rehydrate.
At the same, be prepared that this may induce vomiting in a drunk teen.
If they vomit, take them to the emergency room for treatment.
If they appear to be becoming more intoxicated as time goes on, take them to the emergency room.
Ideally, we want to see the teen sober up before letting them “sleep it off.”
This way, if they vomit during the night, they are less likely to inhale the vomit.
It is not uncommon for teens to experiment with alcohol to some degree.
This is why it is important to discuss the risks of alcohol use with our teens.
If they do come home intoxicated, it does not mean that we are a bad parent.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Underage drinking in the United States (ages 12 to 20).
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Understanding the dangers of alcohol overdose.
2021;12:699726. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.699726
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.How to tell if your child is drinking alcohol.
