Adolescence is a critical stage for neurological growth. During the teenage years, the developing brain is more vulnerable to alcohol than the adult brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), alcohol is the most common drug used by people younger than 21 in the United States. A growing body of research suggests that teens who drink alcohol may experience significant, long-lasting effects on brain functioning with an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder later in life.
- What are the long-term effects of alcohol on the brain in adolescents?
- What are the cognitive impairments caused by alcohol use in adolescents?
- How does alcohol consumption impact the hippocampus and memory in adolescents?
- What are the neuroinflammatory effects of alcohol on the adolescent brain?
- How does alcohol affect dopaminergic and glutamatergic signaling pathways in adolescents?
- What are the genetic factors that influence alcohol addiction and brain damage in adolescents?
- How can alcohol-related brain damage be prevented in adolescents?
- What are the treatment options for alcohol-related cognitive deficits in adolescents?
- How does alcohol use during adolescence affect neurocognitive development and behavior?
What are the long-term effects of alcohol on the brain in adolescents?
The earlier young people start consuming alcohol, the more likely they are to experience significant impairment to cognitive functions. Over time, excessive alcohol intake can cause brain cells to die, which results in the shrinkage of tissue, known as gray matter.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol misuse during adolescence has been linked to reductions in these brain regions:
- Frontal lobe
- Hippocampus
- Amygdala
- Corpus callosum
What are the cognitive impairments caused by alcohol use in adolescents?
As adolescents mature, they undergo complex developmental changes in their brains. The nature of these rapid changes also increases the brain’s vulnerability to alcohol exposure. Studies show that heavy drinking changes the normal developmental patterns in the connections within brain regions.
This weakens connections that regulate cognitive and executive functioning, such as:
- Processing speed
- Learning and memory
- Problem-solving
- Spatial reasoning
- Attention and impulsivity
How does alcohol consumption impact the hippocampus and memory in adolescents?
Alcohol can inflict lasting harm on the teenage brain due to the shrinkage of one of the brain’s regions, known as the hippocampus. This domain is responsible for memory and learning. When an excessive amount of alcohol is consumed, it increases the risk of significant memory loss. Evidence suggests that, for the developing brain, the hippocampus is more sensitive to the effects of alcohol, and adolescents are more susceptible to alcohol-induced memory impairment than adults.
What are the neuroinflammatory effects of alcohol on the adolescent brain?
Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection. Typically, It is a protective agent that allows the immune system to promote tissue repair. However, chronic alcohol intake induces a counter-productive inflammatory response causing damage to the developing brain which can include:
- Brain cell damage and death
- Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheiner’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis)
- Mental decline
- Brain network disruption
How does alcohol affect dopaminergic and glutamatergic signaling pathways in adolescents?
Long-term alcohol abuse produces physiological changes in the brain that perpetuate physical dependence. In fact, tolerance is one aspect of alcoholism that leads to its addictive stamina. Drinking affects both dopaminergic and glutamatergic signaling pathways, and the developing adolescent brain is highly susceptible to the disruption of these neurotransmitters. Even one or two alcoholic drinks increase the amount of dopamine in the “reward centers” of the brain. Over time, chronic alcohol misuse alters the dopamine and glutamate receptors which create a vicious cycle of positive reinforcement, tolerance, and dependence.
What are the genetic factors that influence alcohol addiction and brain damage in adolescents?
A family history of alcohol use disorders may increase the risk of a genetic predisposition in their children. However, there is conflicting research if genetic factors indicate a susceptibility to brain damage. While the presence of such genes doesn’t predict one will become an alcoholic, there is a high correlation between family members who are carriers and an increased risk for parent-child transmission.
There are also behavioral genes that can influence a propensity for alcoholism. Mental health conditions, such as depression and chronic anxiety, are more common in teenagers with a family history of these disorders. Young people with mental illnesses have a higher risk of turning to substance abuse as a way of coping, which partially connects the complex link between genetics and addiction.
How can alcohol-related brain damage be prevented in adolescents?
The brain continues to develop until age 25, making it more sensitive to damage from alcohol. However, the brain’s ability to adapt during adolescence may also help it paradoxically recover from some alcohol-induced damage. One study yielded that after one month of abstinence from alcohol, teens who previously drank heavily “no longer exhibited adaptations in reward activation to alcohol cues.” While there is research that abstinence may be related to brain function restoration, more evidence is required, which begs the need for early intervention is crucial to prevent further, irreversible brain damage.
What are the treatment options for alcohol-related cognitive deficits in adolescents?
There are many effective evidence-based treatments in two domains that help the adolescent brain repair and restore cognitive abilities from alcohol misuse:
Behavioral Healthcare: Therapeutic approaches that teach coping skills and strategies can alter neural circuits that restore brain function. Other interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, contingency management, family counseling, and support groups.
Medications: This treatment can improve neurological health and ease withdrawal symptoms during recovery. Some effective, non-addictive medications used in treatment programs are acamprosate, naltrexone, and disulfiram.
How does alcohol use during adolescence affect neurocognitive development and behavior?
Studies have revealed that adolescent alcohol abuse is associated with various cognitive and behavioral deficits, which include:
- Impaired learning ability
- Reduced processing speed
- Poor working memory
- Social-emotional problems
- Impaired executive functioning
Alcohol Addiction Treatment for Teens at Horizon Recovery
If your teenage child is struggling with an alcohol addiction, they are not alone. Our caring and empathetic team is here to support your teen and your family every step of the way. For more information or to schedule a visit, please reach out to us today.
