Today, more teens and young adults drink than ever before. There are many reasons for this increase in alcohol consumption. One of the main reasons is how easy it is for teens and young adults to get alcohol. However, what many of them don’t know much about is the effects of alcohol on the brain.
14.5 Million Americans Suffer From AUD
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 14.5 million Americans struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). To make matters worse, these numbers include people as young as 12. Thankfully, people can get help for AUD if they seek treatment from a rehab center.
Experts Link Alcohol to More Than 200 Diseases
According to research, experts have connected alcohol to more than 200 different diseases, many of which are brain disorders. In 2010, studies found that alcohol played a role in nearly 3% of all deaths in the United States. This percentage includes the deaths of adults and teens.
Most people know that there’s a relationship between alcohol and the brain. However, most of them assume that alcohol damages the brain after drinking copious amounts. Experts say that this isn’t the case, though. While large amounts of alcohol damage the brain more, there are still side effects of drinking small amounts.
To make matters worse, the effects of alcohol in teens and young adults are more common. The reason is that their brains haven’t fully developed yet. The chemical imbalance that alcohol causes are much more likely to lead to brain disorders. For that reason, it’s imperative for parents to seek substance abuse treatment for teens.
Wernicke–Korsakoff Syndrome Is a Debilitating Condition
One of the 200 diseases that alcohol abuse can cause is Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome. This disorder is a combination of two syndromes. Firstly, Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a short-lived but severe condition. Secondly, Korsakoff’s psychosis is a debilitating condition.
The Effects of Alcohol on the Brain Cause Depression and Anxiety
The relationship between alcohol and the brain is a dangerous one. Heavy drinking can result in permanent damage to the nervous system and brain. Some of the most common effects of alcohol on the brain include the development of disorders such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Altered personality
- Coordination disorders
Of course, the effects of alcohol can cause short-term problems as well. These problems include but aren’t limited to confusion, impaired judgment, and difficulty learning.
Alcohol Hinders the Developing Brain
Since alcohol has a negative impact on the developing brain, finding a teen alcohol rehab center Boise Idaho has is important. In fact, consuming alcohol at a young age can cause learning and behavioral problems that keep kids from retaining information.
Learn More About the Effects That Alcohol Can Have on the Teen Brain
Find an outpatient drug rehab program Boise Idaho has for your teen. Zelus Recovery is an alcoholism treatment center Boise Idaho offers. A few of the services that we have include:
- Early intervention
- Intensive outpatient rehab
- Gender-specific rehab
- Group and individual therapy
- Family therapy
Learn more about the effects of alcohol on the brain and how it damages your young teen’s mind. Let us teach you how to put an end to teenage substance abuse. Don’t wait to contact us at 208.518.0797.
