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How Excessive Drinking Affects a Teenager’s Brain Development

by 
Sep 27,2024
129+

Excessive drinking can have serious effects on a teenager’s brain, which is still developing. The brain keeps growing and forming connections until around age 25, so when a teenager drinks too much alcohol, it can interfere with this critical process.

Alcohol affects the part of the brain responsible for memory, learning, and decision-making, known as the hippocampus. Drinking a lot can make it harder for teens to concentrate, remember things, or make smart choices. Over time, excessive drinking can even lead to long-term memory problems.

Another area impacted by alcohol is the prefrontal cortex, which helps with planning, judgment, and impulse control. Teens who drink heavily might act recklessly or make poor decisions because this part of their brain isn’t fully developed yet and alcohol makes it worse.

Excessive drinking can also affect mental health, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and addiction later in life. Since a teenager’s brain is more sensitive to alcohol than an adult’s, even small amounts can have lasting consequences.

In short, heavy drinking during adolescence can harm the brain’s development, making it harder for teens to learn, remember, and make good decisions, both now and in the future.

At AC Wellness and Rehab Centre, we understand the importance of protecting your teen’s future. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, don’t wait.

Contact us today for compassionate support and professional treatment to guide your teen toward a healthier, brighter future.