Alcohol can trigger alterations in the architecture and operation of the developing brain, which continues to grow into an individual's mid 20s, and it might have consequences reaching far beyond teenage years.


In adolescence, brain development is defined by remarkable changes to the brain's structure, neuron connectivity ("electrical wiring"), and physiology. These transformations in the brain affect everything from emerging sexuality to emotionality and cognitive ability.

Not all component parts of the juvenile brain mature concurrently, which may put an adolescent at a disadvantage in certain circumstances. For example, the limbic regions of the brain mature earlier than the frontal lobes. The limbic regions manage feelings and are related to a juvenile's decreased level of sensitivity to risk. The frontal lobes are responsible for self-control, judgment, reasoning, problem-solving, and impulse control. Differences in maturation amongst parts of the brain can result in rash decisions or actions and a neglect for consequences.

How alcoholism alters a juvenile's brain growth in numerous ways. The effects of minor drinking on specialized brain functions are explained below.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Alcohol can appear to be a stimulant because, to begin with, it suppresses the part of the brain that controls inhibitions.

CORTEX-- alcoholism hampers the cerebral cortex as it works with details from an individual's senses.

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM-- When an individual thinks of something he wants his body to undertake, the central nervous system-- the brain and the spine-- sends a signal to that portion of the body. Alcohol hinders the central nervous system, making the person think, speak, and move slower.

FRONTAL LOBES -- The human brain's frontal lobes are essential for advanced planning, creating concepts, making decisions, and exercising self-discipline.

An individual might find it difficult to control his or her emotions and urges when alcohol impacts the frontal lobes of the brain. The person may act without thinking or may even become violent. Consuming alcohol over a long period of time can harm the frontal lobes permanently.

HIPPOCAMPUS-- The hippocampus is the part of the human brain in which memories are made.
When alcohol reaches the hippocampus, an individual might have trouble recalling something she or he just learned, like a person's name or a phone number. This can happen after just one or two alcoholic beverages.
Drinking a lot of alcohol rapidly can trigger a blackout-- not having the ability to remember whole occurrences, such as what exactly he or she did the night before.
If alcohol harms the hippocampus, an individual might find it tough to learn and to hold on to knowledge.


Withdrawal or possibly a horrendous hangover provoke an anxiety attack
CEREBELLUM-- The cerebellum is important for coordination, thoughts, and attention. An individual may have trouble with these abilities once alcohol gets in the cerebellum. After drinking alcohol, a person's hands may be so shaky that they can't touch or grab things normally, and they may fail to keep their balance and fall.

HYPOTHALAMUS-- The hypothalamus is a small part of the brain that does an incredible number of the body's housekeeping tasks. Alcohol frustrates the operation of the hypothalamus. After a person drinks alcohol, blood pressure, appetite, thirst, and the urge to urinate increase while body temperature and heart rate decline.

alcoholism in fact cools down the body. Drinking a lot of alcohol outdoors in cold weather conditions can cause an individual's physical body temperature level to fall below normal.

A person might have difficulty with these skills when alcohol goes into the cerebellum. After drinking alcohol, an individual's hands might be so tremulous that they cannot touch or grab things normally, and they might fail to keep their balance and fall.

After an individual alcoholic beverages alcohol, blood pressure, hunger, being thirsty, and the desire to urinate increase while body temperature levels and heart rate decrease.

Alcohol actually cools down the physical body. Consuming a lot of alcohol outdoors in cold weather can cause a person's physical body temperature to fall below normal.