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Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows the function of the central nervous system.
People with a family history of alcoholism are more vulnerable than others to alcohol problems. In very small amounts, alcohol can help a person feel more relaxed or less anxious. More alcohol causes greater changes in the brain, resulting in intoxication.
Alcoholism can start at a very young age. In addition to being illegal, underage drinking poses serious health risks: car accident, increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases, an increased likelihood of alcohol dependence and drug addiction in adulthood.

Alcoholism has little to do with what kind of alcohol one drinks, how long one has been drinking, or even exactly how much alcohol one consumes. But it has a great deal to do with a person's uncontrollable need for alcohol. Alcoholism, also known as "alcohol dependence," is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as getting into trouble with the law. It takes one drink to trigger an addiction, especially if one has a family member who is an alcoholic. Alcoholism is hereditary.

Alcohol is the number one drug of choice among teens because it is more accessible. Stress, depression, boredom, peer pressure, or just the classic stages of teen rebellion play a big part in teenage alcohol abuse. Lack of parental support, monitoring, and communication have also play a part in frequency of drinking, heavy drinking, and drunkenness among adolescents.

Dependence on alcohol and other drugs is also associated with several psychiatric problems, such as: depression and anxiety. Teenagers that suffer from anxiety and depression disorders are much more likely to abuse or be dependent on alcohol. Sometimes problems with alcohol can lead to depression and anxiety, but more frequently, teens with depression and anxiety disorders seek out alcohol and other drugs to avoid dealing with the pain caused by these illnesses.

Experimentation with alcohol during the teen years is common. Some reasons that teens use alcohol and other drugs are: curiosity, to feel good, reduce stress, and relax, to fit in and to feel older. Teens who drink are more likely to be sexually active and to have unsafe, unprotected sex. Becoming pregnant and having sexually transmitted diseases can change one’s lives.
It is important as parents, educators and health care providers to educate our selves and our teens about the dangers of alcohol. Some see it as a social drink but the reality is that it is a dangerous one. Alcohol is one of the three leading death among teens. Communication is the key to decrease the consumption of alcohol among teens. We need to educate ourselves about the effect and dangers of alcohol in order to bring awareness to others. The work starts with us.

If you know someone who is addicted to alcohol, help is always available. The most common and effective way for an individual to combat his or her addictive behaviors is through a self-help support group. These groups are usually available in your communities, churches, community centers etc.

Dependence on alcohol and other drugs is also associated with several psychiatric problems, such as: depression and anxiety. Teenagers that suffer from anxiety and depression disorders are much more likely to abuse or be dependent on alcohol. Sometimes problems with alcohol can lead to depression and anxiety, but more frequently, teens with depression and anxiety disorders seek out alcohol and other drugs to avoid dealing with the pain caused by these illnesses.

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