Teens from Tight-Knit Families Less Likely to Abuse Alcohol

Teens who do not connect with their parents are more likely to drink than those who come from tight-knit families.

A new study published in the Journal of Family Psychology states that while many teens rebel and seek independence from their parents, those who emotionally detach themselves from their families are at higher risk for using alcohol.

"Most parents think that teens drink because of peer pressure," said Dr. James Bray, author of the study and an associate professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. "But we found that the family actually has a strong influence over a teen's decision to use alcohol and other addictive substances."

Bray surveyed more than 6,500 students from the sixth, seventh and eighth grades over a three-year period. Participants who used alcohol reported having the most difficulty dealing with family situations. They felt their parents were more critical and less supportive. Teens who experienced more family conflict purposely distanced themselves from their families by becoming more involved with friends who used alcohol and by not listening to their parents.

Teens who asserted their independence, yet maintained their intimacy and connection to their families, were less likely to use alcohol.

"When parents encourage their child's autonomy, but at the same time monitor what they are doing, the child feels supported and doesn't have to rebel," Dr. Bray said. "They can learn to make their own decisions and are less likely to engage in problem behavior over time."

Study results showed that Caucasian and Hispanic adolescents drank more at an earlier age than did African-American adolescents. However, family conflict equally influenced teens from all ethnic groups to drink.

Since many of today's teens start experimenting with alcohol in junior high, Dr. Bray advised parents to pay close attention to their relationships with their children. Parents should continue to monitor what their children are doing while giving them some freedom. Most importantly, parents should teach their views on alcohol to their children.

"If parents don't say, `I don't think you should use alcohol at your age, it isn't good for you,' then their children will basically believe that using it is OK," Dr. Bray said. "Not saying anything is the same as condoning alcohol use in a teen's eyes."

The wall between parent and teen seems insurmountable for some families, and it takes continued determination to break through, Dr. Bray said. Parents can talk to teachers and the parents of their child's friends to stay updated about their lives. They can invite their child's friends to their home and encourage family interaction. Parents who are concerned about their teens using alcohol may need to seek professional help from a school counselor or a family psychologist.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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