How to Help My Teenager With Alcohol Addiction

If you’re worried that your teenager is addicted to alcohol, it’s completely understandable to be concerned and want to take action. This article will help you understand how to get my teenager to stop drinking and help you find appropriate alcohol addiction treatment for their needs.

No matter how things might seem right now, there is always hope, and prompt and effective treatment can help your teen regain control of their lives.

Is My Teenager Addicted to Alcohol?

The idea that “my teenager drinks too much” or might be addicted to alcohol can be alarming and unsettling, and it is normal to feel worried. Some parents might think teens who drink are “just being teens,” but you are wise to want to help now before things get potentially worse. It is important to understand that teens who drink too much are at a higher risk of developing problems with alcohol later on, as well as serious academic, social, physical, and mental health problems now.¹

You should be aware that the behaviors that a teen with alcohol problems may display are not always typical behaviors of adults with alcohol addiction.² Helping your teen with alcohol addiction starts with understanding the potential signs.

Signs Your Teenager’s Drinking May Be Alcohol Addiction

Only a licensed mental health professional can diagnose a teen with alcohol use disorder (AUD), the clinical term for alcohol addiction. However, understanding the warning signs your teen is addicted to drinking may be helpful in determining when it is time to seek professional help.

Consider the following questions:²

Is your teen trading in their old friends for new friends? Do they not want you to get to know their new friends?
Have their moods changed, such as suddenly getting angry, being defensive, and/or being irritable?
Do they have trouble remembering things? Are they having concentration difficulties?
Have they had slurred speech, incoordination, and/or bloodshot eyes?
Are they having issues at school, like missing class, getting in trouble, and/or getting poor grades?
Do they no longer care about things like their appearance and/or previous interests?
Have they stopped following your rules?
Have you found alcohol in their belongings, and/or has their breath smelled like alcohol?

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, it could indicate that your teen is experiencing problems with alcohol. It’s advisable to seek guidance from a qualified mental health professional, pediatrician, or treatment center to address your concerns and ensure your child receives a thorough evaluation and treatment advice.

How to Help Your Teenager With Alcohol Addiction

Understanding how to help my teen who drinks too much is just the first step in tackling the problem. There are numerous steps you can then consider following, such as:³

Scheduling a time to talk with them when they are calm and not under the influence of alcohol or mixing alcohol with other substances.
Finding a quiet, private space to talk away from other family members.
Making a list of your concerns so you can refer to it during the conversation.
Thinking about other healthier, fun alternatives to alcohol use, so you can suggest these during your talk.

Encouraging your teen to get professional help may help prevent the problem from worsening and also help mitigate associated harms and health effects of alcohol, as well as address co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety.¹

Talking to Your Teenager About Their Drinking

It’s crucial to avoid sweeping your teen’s drinking under the rug, as this can enable them to continue self-destructive behaviors.4 top Approaching it head-on is the best way to encourage your teen to change their life and start the path to a healthier lifestyle.

Here are some ways to talk to your teen and start the conversation:^3,5

Express concern but avoid judgment or shame. Using “I” statements can help keep the focus on how your teen’s drinking impacts you and others.
Remember that your teen’s feelings are valid, too. Encourage them to voice their concerns and offer support.
Show that you care. Spend time with them one-on-one doing activities they enjoy.
Draw the line. Set realistic expectations and let them know the behaviors you will and will not tolerate, and outline the consequences for not following through.
Encourage them to accept treatment. At the very least, suggest starting with individual counseling or attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA); people of all ages are welcome to attend meetings.

Before talking with your teen, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider who specializes in addiction to obtain guidance. See if your teen will talk to a doctor if they won’t talk to you.

Support For Families of Alcoholics

It can be stressful for everyone in the family when a teen is struggling with alcohol. Attending individual or family therapy can help you and your family obtain support. Alternatively, or in addition, you might consider going to Al-Anon meetings, which are specifically designed to support families and loved ones of those with alcohol addiction.⁶ You can find meetings online and in person using the online Al-anon meeting finder.

If you’re worried about another loved one, the following guides may help:

How to Get My Teenager Into Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Depending on their needs, your teen may enter various levels of care, such as:⁷

Medical detox, which can help your teen safely undergo alcohol withdrawal with medical support, supervision, and, if necessary, medications for AUD.
Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab, where your teen lives and sleeps at a treatment center and receives 24/7 care and attention.
Outpatient addiction treatment programs, where your teen lives at home but will attend treatment on a regular schedule at a rehab.

Getting admitted to treatment is simple. Just call us at and we can:

Discuss your teen’s situation.
Explain the admissions process.
Complete a prescreening.
Provide a facility recommendation.
Help your teen begin the recovery process.

Get Help for Your Teenager Today

If your teen is struggling, we are here to help you 24/7. Please call to connect with a caring admissions navigator, who can guide you through the admissions process, help you understand health insurance coverage for rehab, and quickly verify your insurance. The call is free and confidential, and your teen is not obligated to enter treatment with us.

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