Teens alcohol disorders growth trends concerns: What are alcohol use disorders
I am not surprised that alcohol is a legally accepted substance drug globally. Its consumption is however regulated and persons of age 21 and below are not allowed to use alcohol in many states. Even though this is the law now, its implementation leaves more than answers to be desired. The rate at which teens alcohol disorders is growing is a point of concern to everybody. We know that alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are medical conditions that doctors diagnose when someone’s drinking causes them distress or harm. We therefore expect to be seeing individuals of above the age of 21. To everyone’s surprise, our teens as young as 13 years old are today being diagnosed with alcohol disorders. And so we ask? Where did we go wrong?
To find out more we spoke to doctor Dalal Akoury a veteran addiction experts, and she says that, even though there are ceilings, there is no level of drinking which is considered safe or legal for anyone under age 21. That is the truth and the laws of the land yet many teens today are drinking large units of alcohol sometimes even more than their parents. This is so because they often drink multiple drinks, which is very dangerous for their health and more so to the brain. Because of that teens alcohol disorders growth trends is a point that concerns every one of us says doctor Akoury.
How alcohol affects the teenage brain?
When teens drink at this tender age, the content of alcohol affects their young brains in the short-term. As they continue using alcohol, the substance will also impact on them down the road, more so as their brains grow and develop.
Teens alcohol disorders growth trends concerns: Short-term consequences of intoxication
Undue consumption of alcohol has its own consequences. According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, the following are some of the short-term complications:
- They will be ignorant of the consequences of their behaviors and so it may be inappropriate or risky but that won’t mean anything to them.
- An intoxicated teen will have a harder time in making good decisions.
- A person may be more likely to engage in risky behavior, including drinking and driving, sexual activity (like unprotected sex) and aggressive or violent behavior.
- A person is less likely to recognize potential danger.
Teens alcohol disorders growth trends concerns: Long-term consequences as the teen brain develops
- Research shows that drinking during the teen years could interfere with normal brain development and change the brain in ways that:
- Have negative effects on information processing and learning.
- Increase the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder later in life.
It is very painful seeing young and vibrant people’s lives being wasted in alcohol. We still have an opportunity to correct this mess by scheduling an appointment with doctor Akoury today for the commencement of your recovery process.
Teens alcohol disorders growth trends concerns: What are alcohol use disorders?
