5 Things Young People Should Know About Alcohol and the Developing Brain
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances among young people, but its effects can be different during adolescence and young adulthood.
One reason is that the brain continues developing into the mid-20s. During this period, areas involved in decision-making, planning, learning, and impulse control are still maturing.
Understanding how alcohol can affect the developing brain isn’t about judgment. It’s about giving young people accurate information so they can make informed decisions and recognize when alcohol use may be becoming a concern.
Here are five things young people should know about alcohol and the developing brain.
1. Your Brain Is Still Developing
The brain continues to develop throughout adolescence and into young adulthood.
During these years, areas involved in planning, decision-making, judgment, and impulse control are still maturing. At the same time, young people are developing greater independence and taking on new responsibilities.
Alcohol affects brain function, including abilities that are still developing during this period.
Not every young person who drinks will experience the same effects, but age, frequency of drinking, amount consumed, and individual circumstances can all influence the risks.
2. Alcohol Can Affect Memory and Learning
Alcohol can interfere with attention, concentration, and memory.
For young people, these abilities are particularly important. Learning isn’t limited to the classroom—it also includes developing job skills, learning new responsibilities, building relationships, and preparing for greater independence.
Drinking can make it more difficult to process and remember information, especially when larger amounts of alcohol are consumed.
If alcohol use is regularly making it harder to concentrate, remember things, complete schoolwork, or keep up with responsibilities, it may be worth taking a closer look at your drinking.
3. Starting Young Can Increase the Risks
The age at which someone begins drinking can matter.
Research has found an association between beginning alcohol use at a younger age and an increased risk of experiencing alcohol-related problems later in life.
That doesn’t mean every young person who drinks will develop an alcohol use disorder. Many different factors can influence someone’s relationship with alcohol.
However, paying attention to how often you’re drinking, how much you’re drinking, why you’re drinking, and whether your habits are changing can help identify potential concerns earlier.
You don’t have to wait until alcohol causes a serious problem before talking to someone.
4. Drinking Can Affect Decision-Making
Alcohol can affect judgment, coordination, reaction time, and impulse control.
As someone drinks, it can become harder to recognize risks and think through the potential consequences of a decision.
This can lead to choices someone might not make when sober and can increase the risk of accidents, injuries, unsafe situations, or conflicts with other people.
Understanding how alcohol affects decision-making can help young people recognize why the amount they drink—and the situations in which they drink—matters.
5. Alcohol Use Isn’t Always Easy to Control
Not everyone who drinks develops a problem with alcohol. However, some people can develop alcohol use disorder.
This can involve difficulty controlling how much or how often someone drinks or continuing to drink even when alcohol is beginning to cause problems.
Some signs worth paying attention to include:
- Drinking more than you planned
- Trying to cut back but finding it difficult
- Spending significant time drinking or recovering from drinking
- Drinking despite problems at school, work, or home
- Losing interest in activities or responsibilities
- Continuing to drink despite problems in relationships
Recognizing these patterns doesn’t mean labeling yourself. It can simply be a sign that having an honest conversation with someone could help.
Why This Matters
Young people deserve accurate information about alcohol without judgment or scare tactics.
Understanding how alcohol can affect the developing brain can help adolescents and young adults make more informed decisions and recognize changes in their drinking that may be worth addressing.
If alcohol is beginning to interfere with school, work, relationships, responsibilities, or your future goals, you don’t have to wait for things to become more serious before asking for support.
Talking to someone can be the first step toward understanding what’s happening and what options are available.
Outreach’s Commitment to Young People
At Outreach, we understand that conversations about alcohol and other substance use can be difficult for young people and their families.
Our goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based support that meets adolescents and young adults where they are.
Our services include:
- Substance use treatment
- Mental health services
- Individual and group counseling
- Family involvement and support
- Recovery support programs
- Specialized services for adolescents and young adults
Whether someone is questioning their alcohol use or already experiencing challenges related to substances, support is available.
Explore Outreach Services
Knowing the facts about alcohol can help young people make more informed decisions about their health and future.
If alcohol or other substance use is beginning to affect your everyday life, you don’t have to figure out what comes next on your own.
Visit opiny.org to learn more about Outreach’s substance use treatment and recovery services for adolescents, young adults, and families.