One of the main concerns about substance use is the frequency. It seems that in the past few years teens are drinking more frequently than they used to. Instead of just weekends it is becoming much more often. Any day that there is a mid week holiday becomes another day to party. This regular and more frequent use of alcohol (or any other drug) has a greater impact on our operating system (brain). Parents need to get past the ideas that it is "just" alcohol and they are "just" being kids. If a teen has a few drinks (under four) once and awhile that lowers the likelihood of creating a problem. If they are binge drinking (more than 4 drinks) on a regular basis that is going to have a huge impact on their brain function and consequently on their mood and ability to function.
