By: Gabriella Wierciak, Class IV
How does alcohol really affect a teenager? Most are aware that underage drinking has negative effects, hence alcohol consumption being illegal for people under the age of 21. However, not everyone is aware of what the effects are and why they’re problematic.
According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 12.6 million people between the ages of 12 and 20 have admitted to having at least one drink in their lives. That’s 33.1% of people in that age group, and that’s only the percentage of people who took the survey and were honest about it.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that underage alcohol abuse has many consequences including interference with typical adolescent brain development, risks of developing alcohol use disorders, injuries, overdose, and death. As explained by the CDC, drinking alcohol at a young age causes slower brain development, potentially leading to issues with memory and the ability to learn. Additionally, starting to drink at a younger age allows for a larger risk of the development of alcohol disorders and could, ultimately, create a risk of bigger health problems.
So, if alcohol has so many negative effects, why is it so common among teenagers? One reason for this is peer pressure, and a desire to fit in or seem “cool.” Another, is stress. As stated in the article “Alcohol and Mental Health” by the Mental Health Foundation, being under the influence allows you to feel relaxed, less anxious, and more confident. That feeling is a big part of why alcohol is so addicting to many people. This relief of stress is part of why many people find it fun to be under the influence, since alcohol interferes with the brain and changes the way people think and act. Alcohol activates dopamine, a chemical that is created to produce pleasure, per the article “The Impact of Underage Drinking” by Prevention First. However, when alcohol use is repeated many, many times, the brain reduces the amount of dopamine that is made. Decreased dopamine levels have negative impacts on mood, leaving some feeling more angry, depressed and anxious. Regardless of the reason, once adolescents start drinking it becomes hard for them to get away from such an addictive substance.
However, there are many ways to control underage drinking. According to the HazeldenBettyFord Foundation, one way to help is to hold yourself accountable to slowing or stopping alcohol consumption by speaking with an adult. Having another person hold you accountable can increase the pressure to stop drinking and help set goals or discover new hobbies to try to slow down. Additionally, therapy or rehabilitation programs can help.
Overall, the positive effects of alcohol also come with longer term negative impacts, and although seeking help and quitting a substance like alcohol is difficult, for those who choose to do so, there are many resources available.
Comments