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How Does Alcohol Affect Teenagers

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How Does Alcohol Affect Teenagers
Many people would say that they have been affected by alcohol at one time or another. They've had a loved one die in a drunk driver accident, their family has been torn apart by an alcoholic member, or someone died of alcohol poisoning. Many people are unaware of the greater effects alcohol has on teens. There is an increase in illegal teen drinking throughout America, especially in the summer months. According to health professionals, the dangers of teenage binge drinking are not being publicized enough. The major effects on the adolescent brain are not taught to the kids by many parents or by other adults. Some teens may know the consequences, but choose to ignore them to keep enjoying their activities. Just fourteen grams of pure alcohol …show more content…
Generally, teenagers are less mature than adults mentally and developmentally. It takes a significantly less amount of alcohol for an adolescent to be affected rather than an adult. Mentally, some teens don't understand that the alcohol will have extra effects other than the few moments of excitement like the adults have already experienced. The earlier adolescents begin to drink, the harder the effects are on the body. The alcohol will build up on the liver and brain, eventually causing major health concerns associated with alcoholism. Boys can usually handle drinking more than girls, but that doesn't mean that the effects are any less. The general health status of an individual will also determine how alcohol affects your body. If someone is super skinny and doesn't eat much, but exercises excessively, they will more than likely have a very low tolerance for alcohol. They will not be able to drink very much before they are considered drunk. If there is an overweight teenager, he may be able to drink more than his friends do before his blood alcohol content goes up high. However, just because his body can physically handle more, that does not mean that his brain and

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