While it may seem like drinking is harmless, drinking during adolescence (ages 12-25) significantly increases the risks of physical, emotional, and social problems later on. Until the age of 25, the brain is making key developments, especially in the frontal lobe where motivation, impulse control, language, and executive functions (i.e., the ability to plan ahead and use critical thinking). As well, early exposure to substances significantly increases the risk of becoming dependent, or becoming addicted. In general, alcohol prevents your brain from working its best, and long term and/or excessive use comes with some risk.
Alcohol is a depressant that affects nearly every part of your body. The damage it does now can impact the rest of your life.
Alcohol is not the answer, it just makes you forget the question.
Alcohol = temporary fun + permanent consequences
What You Can Do Now
- Identify for yourself the risks of drinking alcohol.
- What are the physical risks?
- Emotional risks?
- Social risks?
- Financial risks?
- Talk with someone who doesn’t drink and ask them how they socialize without drinking.
- If you feel like drinking, notice the feelings that came right before:
- Are you sad? Afraid? Excited?
- Are you wanting to fit in or be accepted?
Resources
- https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm
- https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/
- Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in Teens
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISMLIAXENFc
- Podcast: Speaking of Psychology Episode 101: Sober Curious? With Katie Witkiewitz