For Immediate Release
June 1, 2007
Contact: Donna Sellmann
(732) 530-2282
dsellmann@meridianhealth.com

RIVERVIEW EXPERTS STRESS THAT EVEN TEENS ARE AT RISK FOR ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Parents urged to recognize signs of a potential problem.

Red Bank, NJ - It's a startling statistic. Thirty-two percent of young people begin to drink before the age of 13, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even at a young age, teen experimentation with drinking can cross into even more dangerous territory and become an addiction.

"Alcohol is the most common legal drug of abuse in the US," says Peter Q. Harris, M.D., a board certified psychiatrist at Riverview Medical Center. "In the hands of teenagers - who don't have the maturity or experience to handle alcohol responsibly - it is a dangerous weapon." Dr. Harris has seen many underage drinkers end up in the emergency department with acute alcohol poisoning.

"First time users, who have no sense of their limitations, are at high risk. They may drink large quantities of alcohol in a very short period of time; frequently being egged on by peers. By the time the alcohol starts to affect them it may be too late. They have induced acute alcohol poisoning, which, if not immediately, treated can lead to respiratory or cardiac arrest and death," says Dr. Harris.

"Parents shouldn't shy away from this topic. Talking to your kids and discussing your expectations is the best defense," recommends Dr. Harris. "Kids should be reminded that it is illegal, that it is highly dangerous to drive while impaired, and be encouraged to avoid peer pressure to drink."

While some parents may suspect that their child might experiment with alcohol, they should also keep in mind that even a teenager can develop an addiction. Don't be mislead and think that smelling alcohol on someone's breath is the only way to tell if he/she has a drinking problem. When it comes to teens and young adults, there are a variety of behavioral changes that can indicate a problem.

The following are common behaviors that indicate an adolescent may have a substance abuse problem. However, each adolescent may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

-avoiding friends and family members
-change in friends
-giving up activities they used to enjoy such as sports or hobbies
-getting in trouble with the law
-decline in academic performance
-suspension from school for a substance-related incident
-increase in truancy (missing school)
-moody or irritable
-depressed, hopeless, or suicidal feelings
-change in sleeping patterns
-lack of responsibility; not doing chores
-taking risks, such as driving under the influence
-talking a lot about using drugs or alcohol
-pressuring others to drink
-getting intoxicated (drunk) on a regular basis
-lying, especially about how much they are drinking
-believing they need to drink in order to have fun

The symptoms of substance abuse may resemble other medical problems or psychiatric conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis. Additionally, Riverview Medical Center's Booker Behavioral Health Center offers a variety of programs for behavioral health issues. For more information about these services and other community resources, call (732) 345-3400 or 1-800-822-8905.

Riverview Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health Family, is a non-profit community hospital located in Red Bank, New Jersey, providing health care programs and services in all major medical disciplines, including maternity; oncology; orthopedics and rehabilitation; general, neuro, thoracic and vascular surgery; cardiology; renal dialysis; diabetes management; and emergency and critical care services. Riverview's Booker Cancer Center is an affiliate of the renowned Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, and Riverview is home to the only fully accredited acute comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation center in Monmouth County. In addition, its Women Center and Childbirth Center specialize in the full spectrum of needs for the body, mind and spirit. For more information about Riverview Medical Center and Meridian Health, please call the Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990 or visit www.riverviewmedicalcenter.com.

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