By 11-12 grade, 78% of local students report they have had more than a sip or taste of alcohol, 57% within the past 30 days, and 36% indicated they drank heavily (5+ drinks) in the past 30 days.
Scientists now know that developing brains are more prone to damage, and some can have lasting, harmful effects on teen health. Teen alcohol abuse negatively impacts memory center, and may also make it harder for teens to cope with social situations and the normal pressures of life, the very reasons why maybe they drink!
Additionally, the teen brain’s reward circuits get thrown out of whack when under the influence, and can cause them to feel in a funk when not using alcohol or drugs, and going back for more only makes it worse and can lead to addiction.
The bottom line: science shows the longer teens delay using alcohol or other drugs, the less their chance of becoming addicted.
Here are two sites where you and your teen can learn more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2gVzVIBc_g
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Whats-Going-On-in-the-Teenage-Brain.aspx
