What is teen alcoholism?
Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, is a mal-adaptation of the brain’s pleasure-reward system to the presence of alcohol. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, this leads to a negative pattern of alcohol use which may include needing more alcohol to get intoxicated (tolerance), difficulties that occur when the effects of alcohol wear off (withdrawal), using more alcohol or for longer periods of time than intended, and other life problems due to the use of alcohol. Because withdrawal can be intense and unpleasant, someone with dependence may continue to consume alcohol despite adverse consequences. Five stages of alcohol use have been identified:2 • The first stage is described as access to alcohol. (In that stage, minimizing the risk factors that make a teenager more vulnerable to using alcohol are an important issue. Click here to learn more about risk factors.) • The second stage of alcohol ranges from experimentation or occasional use to regular week
