Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Good parenting may keep teenagers away from alcohol
By Staff Writer
Teenagers who consume alcohol are not only breaking the law, but risk having to seek substance abuse help for a possible addiction. However, a recent thesis suggests that good parenting may be one of the best ways to keep adolescents from engaging in harmful behavior.
In the Swedish study, researchers monitored 1,200 pupils from the age of 13 through 19 between 2001 and 2006. They set out to identify factors that either reduced or raised the risk of high alcohol consumption among this population.
The research led to the discovery that parents who are actively involved in their children’s lives can help youths engage in less risky behavior.
For instance, boys who smoke or have friends who drink are more likely to consume alcohol. However, these risk factors were reduced when parents monitored who their child socialized with and what activities they engaged in.
Based on their findings, the researchers also believe that adolescents who show signs of troubling behavior require help fast, as they are at a greater risk for higher levels of alcohol consumption, which in turn could lead to problems at school or at home. Due to this and the potential for poor health, the thesis stresses the importance of parental input.
