UNDERAGE DRINKING PREVENTION NATIONAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CHILD IS DRINKING ALCOHOL1 

Warning Signs 

Although the following signs may indicate a problem with alcohol or other drugs, some 

also reflect normal growing pains. Experts believe that a drinking problem is more likely 

if you notice several of these signs at the same time, if they occur suddenly, or if some of 

them are extreme in nature. 

» Mood changes: flare-ups of temper, irritability, and defensiveness 

» School problems: poor attendance, low grades, and/or recent disciplinary action 

» Rebellion against family rules 

» Friend changes: switching friends and a reluctance to let you get to know the new 

friends 

» A “nothing matters” attitude: sloppy appearance, a lack of involvement in former 

interests, and general low energy 

» Alcohol presence: finding it in your child’s room or backpack or smelling alcohol on 

his or her breath 

» Physical or mental problems: memory lapses, poor concentration, bloodshot eyes, 

lack of coordination, or slurred speech 

Finding Help 

Do Not Play the Blame Game 

It is hard for most parents to believe that their child might be caught up in underage 

alcohol use and in need of professional help. Do not feel bad if you did not see the 

warning signs until your child was in trouble or until someone told you about the problem. 

When most parents find out about their child’s underage drinking, they feel shocked and 

stunned and wonder where they went wrong. 
2 

 

In getting help for a child who drinks, the first thing to do is to try not to blame yourself or 

your child. The important thing is to act now to find the best available services to help 

your child stop using alcohol and begin building an alcohol-free future.

Talk With People You Know 

If you are seeking treatment for a child’s mental health or substance abuse problem, you 

can start by talking with people you know such as family members, friends, 

schoolteachers, counselors, clergy, and your doctor. Your health insurance company 

can give you a list of mental health and substance abuse providers. If your employer has 

an employee assistance program, you can get a referral there. Your child’s school may 

suggest a good substance abuse treatment program. If not, the school district is likely to 

have a substance abuse prevention and counseling program. Contact them for help. 

Contact a Professional 

Your county’s health department probably has substance abuse services and is another 

good source for information. The county agency may be called “alcohol and drug 

programs” or “behavioral health” or it may be in a mental health services division. A call 

to the county health agency’s general information number should point you in the right 

direction. 

Find a Local Resource 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Substance Abuse 

Treatment Facility Locator (http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/faq.htm) includes a Quick 

Search feature 

(http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/TreatmentLocator/faces/quickSearch.jspx) to help you 

find details about drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs in your area. 

References 

1 SAMHSA’s “Too Smart to Start” Underage Drinking Prevention National Media Campaign.