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, many of them don’t know much about the effects of alcohol on the brain.
So, how does alcohol affect the brain? At Zelus Recovery, we believe that there is a definite link between drugs and alcohol and the brain. Further, there are certain detrimental effects of alcohol and the body. If you are a teen struggling with addiction, we have treatment programs to help you feel like yourself again. Or, if you’re the parent of a teen who may need professional addiction treatment, contact our team for more information today by calling 208.518.0797.
Alcohol Use Disorders in America
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.
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. Also, alcohol and memory have a definite link. Studies have shown that alcohol use in teens diminishes their short and long-term memory capabilities.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain?
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.
Since alcohol harms the developing brain, finding a teen alcohol rehab center in Boise, Idaho, is crucial to the cognitive development of teens. In fact, consuming alcohol at a young age can cause learning and behavioral problems that keep kids from retaining information.
Treatment and Therapy Options at Zelus Recovery
Our Zelus Recovery team recognizes that no two people are alike, so no two treatment plans should be the same. As a result, we provide an array of treatment and therapeutic options, including but not limited to:
- Early intervention
- Intensive outpatient rehab
- Gender-specific rehab
- Group and individual therapy
- Family therapy
Receive Comprehensive Care for Alcohol Addiction at Zelus Recovery
Alcohol addiction often requires a holistic approach to treatment. At Zelus Recovery, we firmly believe in focusing on mental health treatment to help to ease and possibly overcome alcohol addiction. Perhaps you’re a teen whose drinking has gotten out of control. Or, you may be a parent of a teen who is showing signs of abusing alcohol.
In either case, our Zelus Recovery team can help. We recognize that alcohol addiction is a sign of a deeper issue, and we are ready to create personalized treatment plans to fit the needs of each individual in our care. How does alcohol affect the brain? Learn more by reaching out to our friendly and knowledgeable staff today at 208.518.0797, or contact us online.
