Because alcohol is easy to obtain and socially acceptable it is a very popular means of self-medication for depression. Despite the fact that is illegal for young teens to purchase it, they are able to get it through their parent's own liquor cabinets, unscrupulous store clerks, or older friends who purchase it for them.
Says Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) adminstrator Nelba Chavez, PhD, "Parents need to know that alcohol use can also be a warning sign or a cry for help that something is seriously wrong in a child's life."