Adolescent alcohol abuse is recognized as a major health concern in the United States. According to Arria and Tarter (1991), "It is likely that an older adolescents who first consumed alcohol in the preteen years will experience greater alcohol-related medical complications than will an adolescent who has been drinking for a shorter period of time" (p. 52). Although the length of time that an adolescent has been drinking is a major factor related to health, it is not the only one. Other factors may include how much alcohol is consumed at one sitting, and just what age the adolescent began to drink. Very heavy drinking may cause accidental injury. And, drinking at an early age may cause gross developmental complications. .
Arriea and Tarter (1991) noted that many adolescents also experiment with other drugs, while they are under the influence of alcohol. Other drugs may range from marijuana to crack cocaine and LSD. Using alcohol and other drugs combined can cause serious health risks and concerns. .
One major concern of adolescent alcohol abuse is the effects that abuse has on puberty. The results of the abuse may be most prevalent in the growth of the adolescent. It has been shown in both human and animal studies that alcohol consumption can stunt the physical growth of an adolescent approaching and during puberty. Arriea and Tarter (1991) stated that, "normal physical growth is dependant on a complex interaction between genetic, hormonal, and environmental influences" (P. 53). Alcohol severely effects this interaction. .
No children or adults for that matter start drinking with the intention of becoming addicted. But about 10% of kids who begin to use alcohol become dependent on other drugs as well. Some of the reasons that children begin to use and continue to do so are as follows: (www.focusas.com).
u Experiment.
u Socialize.
u Test limits.
u Belong to a peer group.
u Societal and media influence.