Underage Teen Drinking – What Palm Beach Gardens Parents Should Know

Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance by teens in the U.S., and Palm Beach County is no exception. While South Florida offers many benefits for raising children, factors like social pressures, disposable income, and party culture create unique risks. These all make alcohol more accessible and experimentation more frequent. 

Whether you’ve been dealing with your teen sneaking out to drink for years or just found some beer cans in their backpack, it’s time to take action. Underage drinking is dangerous and is a risk factor for alcohol addiction.  

Why do teens drink? 

It’s easy to chalk teen drinking up to experimenting or peer pressure. But the truth is, there are deeper issues that they’re trying to handle. Most of the time, drinking is a way to cope with stress—even if that stress is to fit in.  

Unresolved trauma and emotional pain 

Substance use rarely exists without underlying mental health challenges or trauma. Even when a teen hasn’t experienced extreme trauma, smaller “attachment wounds”—such as feeling unseen, unheard, or emotionally disconnected from family—can shape how they cope with stress. Alcohol can become a way to numb emotional pain or fill the emptiness left by strained or inconsistent relationships. 

Family and attachment dynamics 

Home has such a powerful influence on how teens manage emotions. A teen who feels overshadowed by siblings, or whose parents are stretched thin, may internalize feelings of neglect or invisibility. These experiences can create a quiet sense of isolation that drinking temporarily eases. Over time, alcohol can become more than just a way to fit in socially. It gets to be a substitute for emotional connection or validation that they’re missing at home. 

Identity and belonging 

Adolescence is a time of identity exploration and self-definition. Teens often experiment with alcohol as part of trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. For some, it’s a response to peer pressure or a desire to seem mature; for others, it’s an attempt to manage the confusion, stress, or insecurity that comes with growing up. Alcohol may appear to offer confidence or relief in social situations, especially for teens who feel misunderstood or left out. 

Underage drinking is more dangerous than you think 

Is it a phase or is it a problem? You might not know when you find out your teen is drinking. One thing is clear, though: whether they’re doing it to fit in or they’re struggling to quit, teen drinking is dangerous. 

Alcohol and brain development 

The adolescent brain is still developing into the mid-twenties, making teens especially vulnerable to alcohol. During ages 12–18, the prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for decision-making and impulse control—is immature but changing rapidly. Alcohol disrupts brain development, causing long-term damage to memory, learning, and judgment. 

Research shows that teens who drink regularly may experience lasting declines in cognitive abilities like verbal memory, attention, and academic performance, even after they stop drinking. They are also about four times more likely to develop alcohol addiction than those who start drinking after turning 21. 

Physical health risks 

Teenagers’ bodies are less equipped to process alcohol. Their developing livers are more susceptible to damage, and they face a higher risk of alcohol poisoning even with smaller quantities of alcohol. Hormonal disruptions caused by drinking can interfere with growth and puberty, while frequent consumption weakens the immune system, making teens more prone to illness. 

Risky behaviors and consequences 

Alcohol impairs judgment, increasing the likelihood of dangerous behaviors such as drunk driving; young drunk drivers killed 37 people in Florida alone in 2023. Drinking also contributes to poor academic performance, with regular drinkers more likely to fail classes, skip school, or even drop out. But it’s not just what happens now. Teen drinking can damage relationships with family and friends, eroding trust and creating long-term conflict. 

Teen drinking in South Florida 

Compared to the state averages, many of the counties in South Florida have higher rates of active and binge drinking reported by teens.  

Recognizing warning signs of teen drinking 

The first step to helping your teen is to know when they’re drinking. It can be hard at first, especially since they probably won’t drink in front of you. And if they’re hungover, it might just seem like they’re moody—like teens often are. 

Physical clues 

• Bloodshot eyes  
• Smell of alcohol  
• Frequent use of mouthwash or breath mints to mask odors  
• Unexplained injuries  
• Clumsiness  
• Disruptions in sleep patterns, such as sleeping in later than normal 

Behavioral changes 

• Lying about whereabouts 
• Becoming defensive 
• Withdrawing from family activities 
• Changes in friend groups 
• Avoiding trusted adults 
• Skipping school 

Emotional shifts 

• Sharp mood swings, irritability, or signs of depression may accompany alcohol use 
• Uncharacteristic withdrawal from family or friends 
• Loss of interest in hobbies or school activities 

Other evidence 

You might even find empty bottles, hidden flasks (that may look like more innocent objects), or unexplained expenses that could be signs of drinking. Be aware that teens may also try to hide or delete their phone use and social media posts referencing parties or alcohol. 

Florida’s underage drinking laws 

The legal drinking age in Florida is 21. Teens caught with alcohol before they turn 21 and adults of age who give alcohol to anyone underage run the risk of legal charges.  

Local resources for help 

If you think your teen is drinking, don’t wait to get help. There are resources in Palm Beach County for teens who need support to stop drinking. You can also find community health resources to educate yourself and your child about alcohol and what steps to take next. 

Resources for parents 

• Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition 
• Palm Beach County Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders 
• Talk, They Hear You by SAMHSA 
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 

Treatment 

Family First Adolescent Services offers residential treatment tailored for boys aged 12–18, addressing both alcohol abuse and underlying mental health issues. Our approach combines therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family systems therapy with academic support to help teens maintain progress in school. 

Outpatient counseling is also available through local therapists specializing in adolescent addiction. Support groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous, are often available for teens and their families. 

School support 

Guidance counselors and student assistance programs in Palm Beach County schools can help identify and address alcohol issues. Alternative education programs are available for teens struggling to stay on track academically. 

Financial considerations 

Many treatment providers work with insurance to minimize costs. If you’re considering treatment for your teen, verify your coverage with Family First. Insurance verification is quick and free, and you can get a better idea of what kind of care your teen needs. We work with most major carriers, including TRICARE.  

When residential treatment is necessary 

Consider residential care if outpatient therapy hasn’t been effective, or if your teen’s drinking has recently caused them to go to the emergency room to get stabilized. Residential programs offer 24/7 supervision, medical monitoring, and intensive therapy to address both substance use and its underlying causes.