When teens drink, alcohol affects their brains in the short-term, and repeated drinking
can also have an impact on the brain down the road, especially as it grows and
develops.
Short-Term Consequences of Intoxication (being "drunk"):
An intoxicated person has a harder time making good decisions. They also have
impaired motor coordination.
A person is less aware that his/her behavior may be inappropriate or unsafe.
A person has a greater risk of being injured from falls or vehicle crashes.
A person may be more likely to engage in unsafe behavior, including drinking
and driving, unsafe sexual behavior (like unprotected sex) and aggressive or
violent behavior.
A person is less likely to recognize potential danger.
Long-Term Consequences as the Teen Brain Develops:
Research suggests that drinking during the teen years could interfere with
normal brain development and change the brain in ways that:
Have negative effects on information processing and learning.
Increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder later in life.
Consequences of Underage Drinking:
Youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience
School problems, such as higher absence and poor or failing grades.
Social problems, such as fighting and lack of participation in youth
activities.
Legal problems, such as arrest for driving or physically hurting someone
while drunk.
Physical problems, such as hangovers or illnesses.
Unwanted, unplanned, and unprotected sexual activity.
Disruption of normal growth and sexual development.
Physical and sexual assault.
Higher risk for suicide and homicide.
Alcohol-related car crashes and other unintentional injuries, such as burns,falls, and drowning.
Memory problems.
Misuse of other drugs.
Changes in brain development that may have life-long effects.
