Teens face plenty of challenges as they grow and develop: school, low self-esteem, issues with friends, to name a few. But when alcohol is added to the mix, it can interfere with their brain’s ability to mature properly. Drinking during these formative years affects critical areas like decision-making and memory, and the effects can stick around long after the alcohol is out of their system.
In this post, we’ll dive into how underage drinking impacts the brain and what that means for teens as they grow into adulthood. Understanding these effects can help guide conversations with your teen about making healthier choices. We’ll also cover some signs of teen drinking to look out for to ensure you’re able to intervene as early as possible.
Which Part of the Brain is Most Affected by Underage Drinking?
When teenagers drink alcohol, it affects parts of the brain that are still developing. Two critical areas impacted are the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, which help teens navigate life and make responsible choices as adults.
Prefrontal Cortex
This part of the brain helps teens make decisions and control their impulses. It’s also responsible for thinking ahead and considering the consequences of their actions. Since it’s still developing during the teenage years, drinking can really mess with these abilities. Teens might find it harder to make good decisions, and they’re more likely to act without thinking, which can lead to risky behavior.
Hippocampus
The hippocampus is key for memory and learning. When alcohol affects this area, it can make it harder for teens to remember things or pick up new information. This is a big deal because their brains are still growing, and alcohol can slow that process down. It means they may have trouble in high school or forget important things as they continue to grow.
Effects of Teenage Drinking On the Brain
When teens drink, the effects don’t just go away after the alcohol leaves their system. The brain is still developing, so alcohol can cause lasting damage. Here’s how it can affect them in the long run:
Memory Issues
Because of the way drinking as a teen impacts the still-developing hippocampus, it can become harder to remember things, whether it’s stuff they learn in class or simple everyday things. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll have major memory problems, but it can become an inconvenience into adulthood.
For example, a young adult who drank as a teen might find it more difficult to remember details from meetings at work or forget something important they talked about with a friend. These memory issues might show up as small gaps in recall that could make daily tasks a bit more challenging as they grow older.
Poor Decision-Making
The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that helps with decision-making, doesn’t fully develop until the mid-20s. When teens drink, it slows this development, which can cause problems later in life. This can show up as impulsive or risky behavior that continues into adulthood. For example, a teenager who drank during high school might later struggle with big decisions, like choosing a college or job, managing finances, or building healthy relationships.
Their decision-making process may still be influenced by the impulsiveness caused by alcohol use, leading them to make choices without considering long-term consequences. This could mean going into debt, choosing toxic relationships, or making decisions that harm their future.
Higher Risk for Mental Health Problems
Teens who drink are more likely to develop mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Alcohol interferes with brain chemicals that regulate mood, which makes it harder to cope with stress.
As a result, someone who drank in their teenage years may continue to struggle with emotional regulation well into adulthood. They might turn to alcohol or other substances as a way to cope with feelings of sadness, stress, or anxiety, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.
This can lead to more severe mental health challenges down the road, like chronic anxiety, depression, or even more serious conditions like PTSD. Mental health issues can affect their ability to maintain healthy relationships, hold down a job, or enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Changes in Brain Structure
Drinking alcohol during the teenage years can cause lasting changes in brain structure that affect thinking, memory, and behavior. This means the brain may not be as adaptable or flexible, making it harder to learn new things, adapt to change, or cope with stress. As an adult, someone who drank heavily as a teen might find it harder to learn new skills or manage the stress of work or personal challenges.
For example, a person who drank regularly in their teen years might struggle with staying focused in a fast-paced job or might find it difficult to deal with major life changes, like moving to a new city or adjusting to new responsibilities. These brain changes can make it feel like they’re constantly a step behind others who didn’t experience these effects.
Sleep Problems
Getting enough quality sleep is essential for the brain to function properly. While the effects of alcohol might make it easier to fall asleep quickly, it reduces the amount of REM sleep, which is the deep, restorative sleep needed to recharge and refresh.
While not everyone who drank as a teen will have long-term sleep issues, some might still struggle with things like falling asleep or staying asleep as young adults. This can leave them feeling tired and sluggish, which can make it harder to stay focused at work or school, manage stress, or feel their best in daily life.
Sleep problems can also affect their mood, making them feel more irritable or emotionally drained. These small issues with sleep might not seem huge, but they can add up and make it harder to manage everything going on in life.
Are the Effects of Teen Drinking on the Brain Reversible?
For the most part, yes, the effects of teen drinking on the brain are reversible — especially when there’s early intervention and if the teen stops drinking while their brain is still developing. The brain continues to grow and change throughout the teenage years and into the early 20s, so giving it time to recover after alcohol use can help it bounce back in many cases.
However, severe damage caused by heavy drinking may be a different story. While some of that damage can be reversed with time, more research is needed to determine how much. Experts agree that heavy drinking can lead to lasting changes in brain structure and function, and the more someone drinks, the harder it may be for the brain to fully recover.
Still, the good news is that the brain has a remarkable ability to heal itself. With abstinence and proper support, the brain can heal a lot, and the earlier the change happens, the better the chances of recovery.
What Are the Warning Signs That a Teen Might Be Drinking?
Watching for subtle changes in their behavior or habits can help you spot alcohol use early. Here are some things to look out for:
- Changes in appearance: A sudden lack of care in their appearance or hygiene could be a sign something’s off.
- Mood swings or irritability: If your teen’s mood changes quickly, or they seem more upset than usual, it could be alcohol-related.
- Slurred speech or unsteady movements: Difficulty speaking clearly or walking steadily might indicate they’ve been drinking.
- Secretive behavior: If they’re suddenly more private or avoiding conversation, they may be hiding something.
- Declining grades or lack of interest in school: Drinking can impact focus, so falling grades or disinterest in school might be a sign.
- Skipping activities or avoiding friends: A teen who’s drinking might isolate themselves or skip out on things they usually enjoy.
- Changes in social circle: If they start hanging out with new friends who drink, they might be influenced to do the same.
- Physical symptoms: Bloodshot eyes or the smell of alcohol on their breath can be clear signs they’ve been drinking.
Help Your Teen Grow Into a Healthy Adult
If your teen is struggling with alcohol use, a professional can help uncover the root causes and give them the tools to heal, guiding them to become responsible adults. At Boise Imagine, we’re here to do just that.
With a personalized treatment plan, teens can learn healthier ways to cope, improve their decision-making, and stay on track for long-term success. Contact us today to learn how we can help your teen create a brighter, more balanced future.