What are the signs of alcohol abuse in a teen?

Underage drinking: Technically, ingestion of any illegal substance constitutes abuse. Teens may not legally drink alcohol. Therefore a teen who is drinking alcohol is suffering from alcohol abuse.

Functioning: Impairment of functioning in all major life areas are signs of substance abuse. These include problems in the family, with friends, with work and school. Also, a change in a person from their usual levels of functioning may point to a substance abuse problem.

Various: Safe use is far far less for a teen especially younger teens. Abuse has significant social, health or other impact on functioning. Frequent binges, missing school, withdrawal symptoms, intoxication, mood changes are all trouble. See http://cpancf.Com/articles_files/talking%20to%20your%20adolescent%20who%20drinks.Mht for more help on talking to your teen abut drinking.