Alcohol and Teenage Drinking Effects on Health
Changes to Brain
Alcohol affects the brain of teenagers more than adults because it is still developing
Excessive use of alcohol can damage brain cells
Damage to brain function
Memory-loss
Caused by malnutrition and heavy alcohol use
Short-term: (black-out)
Long-term: dementia
Thinking
Slowed thinking
Difficulty remembering new information
Judgment
Alcohol reduces functioning of pre-frontal cortex (part of brain responsible for judgement
Declined ability to make descions
Poor impulse control
Unsafe sexual activity
Unprotected sex
Impaired judgement
Impulsive self-harm
Increased chance of suicide
Violent outbursts
Due to the lack in ability of making descions
Not in the right state of mind
Subtopic
Mental and Emotional Consequences
Higher risk of mental illness
Depression
Anxiety
Self-esteem issues
Can cause or mask emotional problems
Alcohol dependency
Alcohol abuse
Adult alcoholism
Dependency from teenage years can lead into adult years
Physical health issues
Liver failure/damage
High blood pressure
Cancer of throat, mouth, liver, etc.
Destroys families
Blow through family budget/savings
Uncontrollable anger
Neglect of partner and/or childern
Additional Substance abuse
Teenagers who drink often use other drugs as well
Common drug is marijuana
Leads to further brain and organ damage
Chronic cough
Lung damage
Brain damage
Memory loss
