Teen drinking hampers brain growth: Study

Drinking alcohol can affect the brain development and people under 15 years of age are particularly at the receiving end, say city doctors.

“Alcohol affects the liver most, but due to dilation of all the blood vessels of the body other organs are also compromised. It suppresses inhibitory centres of the brain, which is responsible for decision making and impulse control and makes them violent. It has impact on eyesight too,” said Dr TP Lahane, dean of the JJ Group of Hospitals.

Recently, a study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, US established how brain continues to change during early 20’s.

Dr Sangeeta Rawat, a neurologist from the KEM Hospital, also confirms that alcohol slows down the cognitive behaviour in teens. “If one starts at drinking alcohol at a young age, his/her perception, reasoning, knowledge and learning abilities will decline. This reduces productivity, which in case of students means poor performance in class and exams.”

Hepatologist Dr Abha Nagral cautions, “Alcohol affects every part of the body. While addiction for just 4-5 years leads to fatty liver, then hepatitis and then cirrhosis, binge drinking can give pancreatitis.”

Taking alcohol with other drugs that also reduce activity in the brain, such as heroin and benzodiazepines, can be particularly risky.

Compromised B12 absorption reduces memory. Excessive alcohol interferes with vitamin B12 absorption prevents brain from working properly. Symptoms can include learning and memory problems and difficulties with balance.