In nationwide efforts to curb underage drinking, not everyone agrees about the burden of responsibility and even culpability that should be placed on parents. Many people feel that parents have only a limited ability to stop adolescents who are determined to drink and, therefore, cannot be blamed for teen alcohol use. However, many others feel parents should be held responsible when teens drink at home, even if they are unaware of the drinking.
If teens are not aware of their substance use, it can lead to addiction. Contact us today at 17135283709 to learn more about our addiction recovery programs.
Punishment for Teenager Drinking Alcohol
Several states in the U.S. have enacted “social host laws,” which create criminal penalties for adults if underage drinking occurs under their roofs. Some of these laws are relatively limited and apply only to situations in which adults were present when underage drinking took place or provided the alcohol to minors themselves.
However, other states have created laws that allow adult owners or occupants to be prosecuted under looser circumstances. Some statutes permit prosecution if adults knew of underage drinking but were not present at the time or if they are judged to have behaved negligently in some way that permitted underage drinking to take place on a property for which they are responsible. These laws allow adults to be prosecuted if they are judged to have failed to take preventive measures.
One Study Suggests Parents Often Know About Teen Drinking
Those who promote these laws say that underage drinking is often passively enabled by adults who turn a blind eye. An August 2014 study published in the Journal of Primary Prevention supported these fears, suggesting that many adults are fully aware of when teenage drinking takes place. This survey found that only 5 percent of teens who reported having a party with alcohol at their house said that their parents definitely did not know alcohol was present.
Seventy percent of adolescents in the study said that their parents knew that alcohol was present, while 24 percent said that their parents probably knew that alcohol was present. Furthermore, the survey found that 64 percent of teens said that at least one parent was actually present during their last party. These findings suggest that parents may play a more significant role in their teens’ drinking behaviors than is often assumed.
The Punishments for Minors Drinking with Parents in Texas
In the state of Texas, social host laws are in place that allows adults to be prosecuted criminally if they knowingly provide alcohol to minors or if they intentionally or recklessly allow minors to drink in their homes. Punishments for these offenses can range from a minimum of two days of jail time and a $200 fine up to six months of jail time or fines of up to $2,000.
The state also has a “zero tolerance” policy for adolescents caught driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. Punishments for minors found guilty of “driving under the influence” can include license suspension, fines, and jail time.
It is important to remember that underage drinking has serious physical, mental, and legal consequences. These include:
- Increased risk of alcohol poisoning
- Greater odds of developing a substance use disorder later in life
- Decreased brain development
- Punishable offenses such as fines, jail time, and license suspension
At Promises Right Step, we understand the complexities of teenage drinking and the potential consequences. Our professional team has the experience and resources to help those struggling with addiction. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs.
Teenage Drinking Issues and Recovery with the Right Step
Teenagers who struggle with underage drinking can suffer from various issues, from academic problems to health concerns and legal trouble. The team at Promises Right Step is here to provide the help these adolescents need for recovery. We offer a combination of evidence-based treatments and holistic approaches that address all aspects of addiction. Contact us at 17135283709 to learn more.
