Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances worldwide, and its effects can vary greatly depending on how it’s consumed. While many people use alcohol recreationally, it’s important to understand how it impacts your body, your mind, and your decision-making.
What is alcohol?
Alcohol is a depressant that affects your central nervous system. It’s found in drinks like beer, wine, and spirits (e.g., vodka, tequila, rum), and it can slow down brain activity, affecting how you think, feel, and move. The active ingredient, ethanol, is produced through the fermentation of grains, fruits, or vegetables.
You don’t need alcohol to have fun or fit in. Many people choose not to drink, and saying no is okay.
Although it may seem that “everybody” is drinking alcohol, the truth is fewer teens and young adults are than in the past. Teens and young adults drink for different reasons:
Why do teens drink alcohol?
To fit in socially and peer pressure
Stress relief or coping with emotions
Curiosity or experimentation
Short-term effects and risks of alcohol misuse
Drinking alcohol can have immediate effects, even after just one or two drinks.
-
Feeling relaxed or more sociable
Reduced inhibitions, which might lead to risky behavior
Impaired coordination and slowed reaction time
Slurred speech and blurred vision
Nausea, vomiting, or headaches if consumed in large amounts
Can limit your ability to sense danger by disrupting the function of the amygdala, a region in the brain that controls our emotions, perception, and awareness.
Increases risk for adverse physical and sexual consequences
-
Disrupts the brain circuits that manage your stress and emotions
Increases vulnerability to mental health issues like depression and anxiety
Drinking at a young age can make you more vulnerable to developing an alcohol use disorder as an adult
Repeated alcohol use triggers brain inflammation that can cause cell damage and long-term neurological issues
Your executive functioning decreases – the ability to focus, problem solve, remember, and plan
The changes in your brain can affect your ability to do well in school, manage a job, and plan for your futur
May lead to alcohol-induced blackouts – gaps in your memory of events
-
Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period (binge drinking) can lead to alcohol poisoning, a potentially life-threatening condition. Signs include confusion, vomiting, slow breathing, and unconsciousness. Seek help immediately if you or someone else shows these signs.
For teens, binge drinking is defined as consuming three drinks for females and three to five drinks for males, depending on their age and size. For young adults, it’s five or more drinks for males or four or more for females.
If you choose to drink, it’s important to take steps to reduce potential harm to yourself and others. Here are some harm-reduction strategies to consider:
How to reduce harm
-
Understand how much alcohol your body can handle and pace yourself.
-
Consuming food can slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.
-
Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated and reduce the effects of alcohol.
-
Combining alcohol with other substances, including prescription medications, can increase risks.
-
Never drink and drive. Arrange for a designated driver, pickup, rideshare, or public transportation.
-
Keep an eye on friends who are drinking and step in if they seem overly intoxicated or in unsafe situations.
Harm reduction is about making safer choices, even if you decide to use alcohol. Every step counts toward reducing risks.
Long-term effects of alcohol use
Regular or heavy alcohol use can take a toll on your physical and mental health over time. Potential risks include:
• Liver damage, including cirrhosis
• Increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke
• Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
• Increased risk of depression and anxiety
• Alcohol use disorder (dependency or addiction)
Signs of alcohol use or misuse
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. Help is available.
If you or someone you know is using alcohol, these signs might indicate a problem:
• Drinking to cope with stress, sadness, or anger
• Difficulty stopping or cutting back on drinking
• Neglecting responsibilities or activities because of drinking
• Experiencing memory blackouts or not remembering events while drinking
• Using alcohol in risky situations, like driving
How to handle peer pressure
-
Practice saying, “No thanks, I’m good,” or “I’m not drinking tonight.”
-
Having a soda, sparkling water, or another non-alcoholic option in hand can help deflect questions.
-
Use a reason that works for you, like “I have an early morning” or “I’m driving.”
-
Surround yourself with people who respect your choices.
Being in situations where others are drinking can be challenging. Here are some tips:
What to do if you or a friend needs help
It’s never too early or too late to ask for help.
If you’re worried about your alcohol use or a friend’s drinking habits, reaching out for help is a strong and courageous step. Here’s where to start:
• Talk to someone you trust: A friend, family member, teacher, or counselor.
• Contact a hotline: Organizations like SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) offer free, confidential support.
• Explore recovery programs: Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery provide peer support.
The bottom line
Alcohol can have significant effects on your body and mind, and understanding these effects can help you make informed choices. Whether you choose to drink, avoid alcohol, or help a friend, knowledge is power. Your decisions matter, and so do your health and well-being.
For more resources or support, check out our Help & Support page.
-
Dawson, D. A., Goldstein, R. B., Patricia Chou, S., June Ruan, W., & Grant, B. F. (2008). Age at first drink and the first incidence of adult-onset DSM-IV alcohol use disorders. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 32(12), 2149–2160. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-0277.2008.00806.x
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2024, September). Alcohol and the adolescent brain. www.niaaa.nih.gov. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/alcohol-and-adolescent-brain
Squeglia, L. M., & Gray, K. M. (2016). Alcohol and drug use and the developing brain. Current Psychiatry Reports, 18(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-016-0689-y
Squeglia, L. M., Jacobus, J., & Tapert, S. F. (2009). The influence of substance use on adolescent brain development. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 40(1), 31–38. https://doi.org/10.1177/155005940904000110