What does alcohol abuse do to the teen brain?
August 12th 2008 05:36
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The brain continues to develop into the 20s and that it is at a higher risk of harm in the womb, the first five years of life and during adolescence. Many do not realize that the exposure to alcohol during adolescence can seriously damage the short- and long-term growth process.
When children advance from elementary through middle school, they face new and challenging social and academic situations. Often during this period, children are exposed for the first time to abusable substances, such as cigarettes and alcohol.
Upon entering high school, teens may encounter greater availability of alcohol and other drugs, substance abuse by older teens, and social activities where alcohol or drugs are used.
At the same time, many behaviors that are a normal aspect of their development, such as the desire to do something new or risky, may increase teen tendencies to experiment with alcohol or drugs. Also, the risk of alcohol and other drug abuse increases greatly during times of transition, such as changing schools, moving or divorce.
Development of the frontal lobe of the brain and refinement of pathways and connections in the brain continue until age 16. A high rate of energy is used as the brain matures until age 20. Damage from alcohol during this period can be long-term and irreversible. Teen alcohol users are most susceptible to damaging two key brain areas that are undergoing dramatic changes during adolescence: learning and memory. Adolescents need drink only half as much as adults to suffer the same negative effects.
As adolescents grow socially and physically, the brain is also going through continuous changes. Teens are still developing judgment and decision-making skills and may have limited ability to accurately assess risks and make sound decisions about using alcohol or drugs.
Alcohol and other drug abuse can disrupt brain function in areas critical to motivation, memory, learning, judgment, and behavior control. So it is not surprising that teens who abuse alcohol and other drugs often have family and school problems, poor academic performance, health problems (including mental health) and involvement with the juvenile justice system.
Until recently, it was assumed that most, if not all, major changes in brain organization and function occurred before adolescence. We now know that this assumption is wrong. Though the overall size of the brain changes very little between childhood and adulthood, very complex changes take place in the wiring of the brain during this time. Significant development even continues throughout the period of 21 to 24 years of age. So the brain continues to be at risk even after our teen years.
For the source of this article please see the link at top
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Comment by TimmyH
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Can you HACK it?
Genyration
I worry for the brain of those kids who are "Binge Popping" more so than binge drinking.
Really Long Link
Comment by katyzzz
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MS Paint Art
I've done posts on most of those other things from time to time and shall continue to do so.
Thanks for the concerned visit, we need more people like you.