[vc_single_image image=”5810″ img_size=”1200×500″ alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”Teen Drinking Causes Brain Damage” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″]Researchers are constantly coming up with new reasons why teenagers should not drink alcohol. Yet, alcohol remains the number one misused and abused drug in South Carolina by youth under the age of 21. Research proves that alcohol abuse and misuse affects the development of the teen brain.
The Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) reports that one in nine high school students have driven after drinking in the past month and excessive alcohol use ranks third among life-style related cause of death in the U.S.
Alcohol affects two crucial parts of the brain during development. These affects can result in irreversible changes in the brain that can impact memory, learning, decision-making and personality.[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1524606570689{padding-top: 1em !important;padding-right: 2em !important;padding-bottom: 1em !important;padding-left: 2em !important;background-color: #efefef !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”]
“An estimated 85 South Carolinians die each year from alcohol use.”
– DAODAS
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″]
Negative Health Effects of Alcohol Abuse
- Alcohol affects all parts of the brain which then affect: coordination, emotional control, thinking, decision-making, hand-eye movement, speech, and memory.
- Underage (under the age of 21) alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder later in life (NIDA), such as alcoholism.
- Because alcohol affects decision-making and emotional control, alcohol abuse increases the risk of physical and sexual assault, suicide and homicide, using and misusing other drugs and more (SAMHSA).
[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5811″ img_size=”500×500″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator][vc_single_image image=”5812″ img_size=”500×500″]
Other Ways Alcohol Influences the Brain
- Poor vision
- Slower reactions
- Lack of coordination
- Poor muscle control and judgement
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
To learn more about what alcohol does to the developing brain, check out NIDA Teen’s fact sheets about alcohol.[vc_separator][vc_custom_heading text=”Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”]Alcohol consumption can be harmful at any age. Calling for help can be the difference between life and death, so know the signs of alcohol poisoning. If you notice yourself or another individual has any of the following symptoms, please call 911 immediately.
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Pale or blue-hued skin
- Clammy skin
- Passing out/unconsciousness
- Stupor (awake but unresponsive)
- Vision disturbances
- Loss of balance
- Irregular breathing
- Shivering
- Seizures
[vc_single_image image=”5813″ img_size=”400×500″][vc_separator][vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_cta h2=”Concerned about a loved one’s alcohol use? ” h2_font_container=”font_size:1.6em” h2_use_theme_fonts=”yes” style=”flat” color=”grey” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”(803) 726-9457″ btn_color=”success” btn_size=”lg” btn_align=”center” add_icon=”top” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-mobile” i_color=”white” i_background_style=”rounded” i_background_color=”green” i_size=”lg” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” btn_button_block=”true” btn_link=”url:tel%3A%2B18037269457|title:(803)%20726-9457||”]
Reach out to LRADAC today
[/vc_cta][vc_cta h2=”Alcohol Treament Information” h2_font_container=”font_size:1.6em” h2_use_theme_fonts=”yes” style=”flat” color=”grey” add_icon=”top” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-info-circle” i_color=”white” i_background_style=”rounded” i_background_color=”green” i_size=”lg” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true”]
LRADAC Youth and Teen Services
[/vc_cta][vc_single_image image=”5816″ img_size=”800×800″ alignment=”center”]