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How Alcohol Affects The Brain

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Statistics say that 8.7 million Americans between the ages twelve and through twenty said they have recently consumed alcohol(“NIH)”. When a person is under the influence, they have consumed enough alcohol for their mental and physical features to become impaired. Teenage drinking is an issue that has haunted society for generations. Each year, approximately 5,000 teenagers die from alcohol related car crashes, alcohol poisoning, homicides, suicides, and other injuries (“Underage”). Scientists say that developmental transitions are key factors in a teens decision to consume alcohol. Therefore, because the teen’s brain is undeveloped, it has led them to drink. Drinking alcohol with an undeveloped brain may cause a loss of intellectual capabilities, …show more content…

Alcohol can cause alterations in the structure, and the consequences may be evident beyond adolescence. Even though alcohol appears to be a stimulant, really it is a central nervous system depressant, depressing the brains inhibition control center (“too smart to start”). Neuron connectivity is vital to every human. Connectivity can be slowed down by alcohol consumption, which leads the person to think, speak, and move slower (“too smart to start”). Long term effects include memory loss and continuity of poor judgement. The cerebral cortex works with the senses; when the senses are debilitated, information is forgotten and senses do not function properly. The hippocampus regulates a person’s memories. When consuming too much alcohol, or even just one or two drinks, the hippocampus will damage, and a person will struggle remembering minor and large details. Teenagers often gloat over not being able to remember the night before. Even though their night may have been an “awesome blackout” their hippocampus has already been permanently damaged. The person now, can not hold on to knowledge and learn the same as before. The cerebellum controls coordination, thoughts and awareness (“too smart to start”). On most occasions, people have problems with these skills when consuming alcohol. In grade school, D.A.R.E. representatives brought “drunk goggles” to school. Studies show that alcoholism in the cerebellum …show more content…

Teens who do not drink are less likely to engage in sexual activity than teens who do drink (“Questia”). While impaired, people are more likely to have sex with someone they do not know. Taking that risk can be very dangerous, because they become exposed to diseases or expose others. Failing to use birth control in this kind of situation can lead to teenage pregnancy; therefore, the teen may or may not know the father of the child. It is stereotypical for teenagers to engage in sexual activity while under the influence of alcohol. When people are drunk, they lower their inhibitions, allowing themselves to let go more than usual. Many people are against sex before marriage, but teens rarely bother to make sure that happens while drinking. Alcohol tends to ease teenagers insecurities and makes them feel more open or fearless. The undeveloped, immature brain that allows teens to drink, will most likely regret sexual decisions while under the

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