The holiday season can be a particularly stressful time. Family pressure, economic stress, and social drinking can make it hard for anyone to stay sober during the holidays. The prevalence of eggnog, spiced cider, and mulled wine can make it seem like the holiday season is the time to imbibe. For teenagers, the holiday season can show a rise in teen alcohol abuse. With access to alcohol at family gatherings and other parties, teens may cope with seasonal depression and holiday stress by drinking. While the holidays are known as a time of joy and merriment, in reality, for many teenagers, this isn’t the case. Teen alcohol abuse treatment and sober holiday celebrations can help your teen make healthy choices this winter.

If your teen is struggling with alcohol abuse, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. Our programs for adolescent boys can help you make the best of a sober holiday. Call us at 866.300.5275 or visit us online for more information.

Is My Teen Struggling with Alcohol Abuse?

Teenagers tend to live secretive lives. Their social lives exist in school and on social media. They live by social codes and use language that adults may not understand, making it easy for teens to hide substance and alcohol abuse from loved ones. Signs your teen is abusing alcohol include:

• Loss of interest in activities
• A sudden need for money
• Sudden grade changes
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, work
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Changes in sleep habits
• Trouble concentrating
• Short term memory loss
• Bloodshot eyes
• Change in physical health

While many aspects of a teenager’s life can contribute to behavioral changes, alcohol abuse can cause physical symptoms that are easy for parents to identify. If your teen exhibits the above symptoms, call our treatment center today.

Support Your Teen With Sober Holiday Celebrations

The best way to support your teen and encourage sobriety is by modeling behavior through sober celebrations. While it may seem hard to enjoy the winter months without eggnog, spiked cider, and champagne, sober holidays can show your teen it’s possible to celebrate without alcohol. Here are some tips for promoting sobriety this holiday season:

• Attend sober events. Find local festive events for the whole family, or throw your own alcohol-free holiday parties.
• Get your teen the help they need. A local sobriety program for teens and young adults, along with individual therapy, can help your teen cope with holiday and daily stress.
• Create new traditions at home. This year, forgo the big stressful events and travel. Stay home and spend time with your teenager, prioritizing activities that don’t involve alcohol.
• Go out of town. Take a day trip as a family or just with your teenager. A change of scenery can remove the usual social pressures that lead to teenage alcohol abuse.

Modeling sobriety for your teen can give you both the opportunity to discover what you truly value during the holidays. Take this opportunity to revive activities they loved as a child and make new memories.

Get Help From Foothills at Red Oak Recovery

The holidays are stressful whether or not you’re a teen. If you suspect your teenager is struggling with alcohol abuse, the team at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery can help. Our programs for adolescent males treat a variety of addictions and mental health conditions to help teenage boys regain control of their lives. Located in beautiful North Carolina, our programs include equine and large animal therapy to help teens engage in the natural world. If your son or a young man in your life is struggling with alcohol, drugs, social media, or video game dependency, call Foothills today. Reach our friendly staff at 866.300.5275 to learn more about our programs.