This is Your Brain on Alcohol

Mounting research suggests that "heavy" drinking by teens may have greater neurological consequences than was previously thought. It can lead to a higher chance of alcoholism as well as reduced cognitive abilities. The permanent consequences to the brain are still vague. A few points from the New York Times article (reg. required):

- 47 percent of those who begin drinking alcohol before the age of 14 become alcohol dependent at some time in their lives, compared with 9 percent of those who wait at least until age 21. The correlation holds even when genetic risks for alcoholism are taken into account.
- "Alcohol creates disruption in parts of the brain essential for self-control, motivation and goal setting," Dr. Crews said, and can compound pre-existing genetic and psychological vulnerabilities. "Early drinking is affecting a sensitive brain in a way that promotes the progression to addiction.”
- One of two brain areas known to be affected is the hippocampus, a structure crucial for learning and memory.

The article goes on to note that the effects to the brain are more pronounced in teens than in adults. And while a lot of the research deals with more extreme cases like alcoholic teens, it’s worth noting that a survey of Duke undergrads found that a little over half of drinkers had experienced a black out in their lives, with an average of three times.

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