The problem of alcohol abuse among teenagers has been increasing for the past 20 years. Despite research detailing the effects of alcohol on the young brain, drinking is still a favored pastime of many teens. Yet its effects are both short-term and long-term in nature.
Memory and Learning
A report by the Duke University Medical Center states that, after a few drinks, the effects of alcohol on the teenage brain include memory loss and impairment of cognitive learning skills.
Academic Performance
The effects of alcohol on the teenage brain manifest themselves in poor test scores and lower grades in school because of impaired cognition.
Sleep
When it comes to sleep, alcohol has the opposite effect on teenagers as it does on adults. Instead of relaxing and sedating them, alcohol actually induces sleeplessness in adolescents.
Emotional Disorders
A study by the American Medical Association states that teenage drinking leads to emotional problems like depression and suicidal thoughts.
Social Problems
In addition to emotional disorders, the effects of alcohol on the teenage brain include an increase in social problems, such as violent tendencies.
Stroke
The American Medical Association reports that teenage drinkers increase their risk of having strokes at a younger age.
Motor Skills
The effects of alcohol on the teenage brain result in a reduction of motor skills, causing slowed reaction time and an increased chance of being injured. Teenage drinking is known to lead to automobile accidents and death.
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