Do YOU Enable Teenage Drinking?

Teenage drinking might seem less dangerous than hard drugs; however, let’s not minimize the risks. For instance, where do teens even get the money to sustain this habit? In many cases, parents may unknowingly contribute. Are you, for example, giving unmonitored pocket money because you feel guilty about not spending enough time with them? Perhaps you’re working long hours to provide for them, and as a result, a few extra dollars seem harmless.

Yet, here’s the harsh reality: if your teen is drinking regularly, there’s a good chance you might be funding their addiction—whether intentionally or not. What may begin as casual weekend drinking can quickly escalate into binge drinking, risky behavior, and even dependence.

The Hidden Ways Teens Get Alcohol & Cash

Recently, I received a neighborhood watch alert about 14 cars burglarized overnight. The local police warned residents to lock their doors, but it made me wonder—are teens stealing from unlocked cars, selling the loot online, and using that money for alcohol or drugs?

This isn’t just speculation. Studies show that many teens turn to theft to support their habits. In some cases, they aren’t even aware that what they’re doing is illegal—because “borrowing” money from a parent’s wallet or selling a friend’s sneakers online doesn’t feel like real theft.

And theft isn’t the only way. Many teens get alcohol through:
✔ Older friends or siblings who buy it for them
✔ Social media transactions (buying fake IDs or alcohol through Snapchat or Instagram)
✔ Parents who keep alcohol easily accessible at home
✔ Underage drinking parties where alcohol is freely available

If you think your teen isn’t exposed to alcohol, think again. A 2023 study from the CDC found that 29% of high school students admitted to drinking alcohol in the past month—and 14% reported binge drinking (having 4+ drinks in a short period).

Teenage Drinking – More Than Just ‘Fitting In’

Peer pressure plays a massive role in underage drinking. Nobody wants to be the odd one out. I remember being a shy teen, struggling to fit in. Drinking was a social tool—a way to ease awkwardness, loosen up, and be part of the group.

Many teens drink for the same reasons:

• To fit in with friends
• To cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
• To rebel against parental rules
• Because they see drinking as “grown-up”

But drinking doesn’t just make a teen “more social”—it drastically alters behavior. A shy, quiet teen might become reckless and aggressive when drunk. A responsible student might suddenly start skipping school.

Parents should pay close attention if they notice:
🚨 Drastic mood swings or changes in personality
🚨 Increased secrecy about their whereabouts
🚨 Unexplained loss of money or valuables
🚨 New “friend groups” with questionable habits

If you see these signs, don’t ignore them. Your teen might already be in trouble.

The Long-Term Dangers of Teenage Drinking

Drinking at a young age rewires the brain, making it harder for teens to control impulses and make rational decisions. Research shows that teens who drink before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcoholism later in life.

And it’s not just about addiction—there are serious consequences, too:

• DUI arrests that can ruin college and job prospects
• School suspensions or bans from sports teams and extracurriculars
• Sexual assault or unplanned pregnancies (alcohol impairs judgment)
• Violence and fights due to reduced self-control
• Accidental deaths from alcohol poisoning or reckless behavior

Many parents think, “Well, at least my kid isn’t doing hard drugs.” But alcohol kills more people than heroin, cocaine, and all other drugs combined. In the U.S., more than 3,500 people under age 21 die from alcohol-related causes each year.

Drinking and Mental Health: A Silent Crisis

Many teens don’t drink just for fun—they drink because they’re struggling emotionally. Depression, anxiety, and childhood trauma are some of the biggest risk factors for alcohol abuse.

A staggering 60% of underage drinkers also suffer from mental health conditions. They aren’t drinking just to “party”—they’re drinking to escape.

This is why punishing a teen for drinking without addressing the root cause won’t work. Instead, talk to them. Ask questions like:
“What made you start drinking?”
“Do you feel pressure from your friends?”
“Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed?”
“How can I help?”

A supportive conversation goes much further than harsh punishment.

What Parents Can Do Instead of Enabling Drinking

Want to prevent teenage drinking? Here’s what actually works:
Talk about alcohol and its dangers openly – Studies show that teens who have conversations about alcohol with their parents are 50% less likely to drink.
Set clear, consistent rules – A teen who knows their parents won’t tolerate drinking is less likely to take the risk.
Monitor their social circle – If their friends drink, they probably will too.
Encourage healthy hobbies – Sports, art, volunteering—keep them busy with activities that build confidence and purpose.
Limit access to alcohol at home – Keep liquor locked away and monitor supplies.

You can’t 100% prevent your teen from drinking, but you can reduce the likelihood and lessen the damage.

Need Help? Here Are Resources

If your teen is struggling with drinking, don’t wait until it’s a crisis. Reach out for help:
📞 SAMHSA Helpline (Substance Abuse Support) – 1-800-662-HELP
🛑 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – madd.org
💬 Talk to a school counselor or addiction specialist

Final Thought

Teen drinking isn’t just a phase—it’s often the gateway to deeper struggles. The earlier you intervene, the better the chance of preventing long-term damage.

If you found this helpful, share this post with a friend or parent who might need to hear it. It could save a teen’s life.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2021.” Published 2023. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs/results/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Alcohol Use Among High School Students.” Published 2023. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10156154/