Effects of Alcohol on the Adolescent Brain
Alcohol can have bad effects on anyone, whether they are young or old. Alcohol is very bad for the brains of young people. This is because their brains and bodies are still growing.
Your brain keeps growing and changing even after you are an adult. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol can change or slow down the growth of a young person's brain.
What effects can alcohol have on a growing brain?
- Learning problems
Alcohol can slow down the growth of a young person's brain. Drinking too much can cause brain damage and learning problems. - More likely to develop alcohol dependence
Young people who drink heavily are more likely to become addicted to alcohol. People who start drinking before the age of 15 are more likely to have alcohol dependence during their lives. - Problems with brain growth
Some parts of the brain can be up to 10% smaller in the brains of young adults who drink too much alcohol. This can cause problems with their ability to create memories, and it may be permanent.
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