Alcohol Abuse May Increase Isolation Among Teenagers

It’s a common belief that alcohol fuels parties where teenagers make friends, have fun, and sometimes even hook up. Alcohol even has a nickname, “liquid courage,” which expresses how people view its way of breaking down inhibitions. However, contrary to the common wisdom, a new study finds that teenage drinkers are more likely to feel like outcasts, with lower grades and more social stress.

The nation-wide sociological study was conducted by the University of Texas at Austin. The report also pointed out that alcohol was actually a cause, rather than just a symptom, of problems for teenagers. The feelings of isolation and not fitting in were strongest among students who attended schools where most students didn’t drink alcohol and had close-knit friend circles. Most people know that alcohol is linked with problems at school for teenagers, but the new study paints a picture of loneliness and isolation among teenagers who drink. “This finding doesn’t imply that drinkers would be better off in schools in which peer networks are tightly organized around drinking,” said Robert Crosnoe, professor of sociology. “Instead, the results suggest that we need to pay attention to youths in problematic school environments in general but also to those who may have trouble in seemingly positive school environments.”

If you or a young person you know has a problem with alcohol, now is the best time to get help. Thankfully there is a way out of the isolation and despair. Drinkers are often unable to cope with treatment on their own, or even with family members’ help, so it’s very important to find the right treatment center. At Seabrook, our treatment plans are customized to meet each individual patient’s needs, so you can rest assured that you’ll be getting the right remedy for yourself or for a loved one. Seabrook has rehabilitation centers in New Jersey (NJ), Pennsylvania (PA), and an outpatient center in New York (NY). Contact Seabrook today for any questions about alcohol, addiction, and treatment.