How Alcohol Effects Teens and to Prevent it from Happening?
13 January, 2022
Consuming alcohol at a young age has significant health, mental, and social impacts. Many teenagers go through a challenging phase during adolescence. The brain is still developing during these crucial years, making them more vulnerable to alcohol than adults. According to studies, the alcohol effects on teens has many short-term and long-term consequences. The earlier a teenager consumes alcohol, the more likely they will develop alcohol use disorder. Additionally, underage alcohol consumption can cause road accidents, injuries and risks of physical assault and can lead to substance use.
What are the alcohol effects on teens, and how to prevent it from happening? Alcohol affects everyone regardless of age and gender. Alcohol is the most misused substance among teenagers. Excessive alcohol consumption can impair the cognitive development of the brain. It blocks chemical signals between brain cells (neurons), leading to immediate intoxication symptoms such as slurred speech, poor memory, and slower reflexes. If excessive consumption ensues, the brain develops physiological dependence, in which a person develops withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, parents or legal guardians need to communicate with their teens regarding the harmful effects of alcohol. Using a home breathalyser can help determine a teen’s blood alcohol content (BAC) or intoxication level. BACtrack breathalysers make for ideal home devices because they are quick and easy to use.
How Alcohol Effects Teens: Other Aspects
The alcohol effects on teens are also a road safety matter. Many drivers under-20 years old are involved in road crashes and fatalities each year. Alcohol intoxication can lead to severe impairments when driving. Furthermore, drink driving is a severe criminal offence in New Zealand. If you are under 20 years old, your legal driving limit with alcohol is 0.00%. It means that you must not have alcohol in your system, especially while driving. If you register a positive BAC result in a police breathalyser test, you can face hefty fines and penalties, including driving disqualification or suspension.
Identifying alcohol effects on teens can also help prevent alcohol abuse. There are many strategies to prevent underage alcohol consumption and promote a healthy lifestyle. Firstly, many approaches are school-based. Integrating alcohol or other substance use awareness programs in the curriculum helps deter alcoholism. Secondly, extra-curricular activities such as social or life skills training programs help teens focus on healthy and productive activities. Most importantly, strong personal relationships are vital to preventing alcoholism. When teenagers have a healthy communication line with an adult, they address critical issues without the former needing to result to alcohol use. Finally, carrying a breathalyser is helpful if consuming alcohol is inevitable. BACtrack personal breathalysers can help you conveniently monitor your BAC levels so you know when to stop or slow down.
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