According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a quarter of high school seniors report binge drinking in the past two weeks. Adolescence is an important period for brain development, and underage drinking during this time can lead to several changes in the brain that impact cognition and mental health [1]. 

Heavy drinking during the teen years also increases the risk of reckless or dangerous behaviors such as drunk driving or unprotected sex. Although underage drinking is not something new to this generation, and has been going on for decades among youth—current research on how alcohol affects brain development is now more present than ever.

Read on to understand the rates of alcohol use in youth, how it affects the brain, and strategies to prevent underage drinking.  

The Rates of Underage Drinking 

Many people have their first experience with alcohol in their teens. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 12.6 million youth ages 12 to 20 reported drinking alcohol at least once in their lifetime. Fortunately, the rates of underage drinking have decreased over recent years, with teens today drinking almost one-third less than previous generations. However, the numbers remain high [1]. 

Although teens tend to drink alcohol less often than adults, they tend to consume more when they do. This is known as “binge drinking” and is defined as drinking heavy amounts of alcohol (4+ drinks for women or 5+ drinks for men) in a short period (about 2 hours).

Approximately 8% of teens (3.3 million) reported binge drinking in the past month. Binge drinking can be particularly dangerous, causing serious side effects such as memory loss, blackouts, and in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness [2]. 

How Does Alcohol Affect The Developing Brain? 

The teen brain is quickly able to change and adapt in response to their experiences, this is known as brain or neuroplasticity. An increase in brain plasticity can help teens develop the skills for independence. However, it can also make them more vulnerable to the negative effects of alcohol. Research shows that excessive drinking can decrease neuroplasticity and make it harder to learn or retain new information [3]. 

Alcohol also affects the frontal lobe, which includes brain regions responsible for executive functioning and decision-making. Research links these effects to alcohol-related behaviors such as driving and driving, unprotected sex, or abusing other substances [3]. 

Disruption of the frontal lobe causes other cognitive deficits such as memory loss, trouble focusing, or problem-solving. These impact several areas of a teen’s life, such as strained relationships, mental health problems, and a decrease in academic performance. 

As with any drug, alcohol has the potential to become addictive. Substance use affects the pleasure-reward system of the brain, known as the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia work hand in hand with the neurotransmitter dopamine, responsible for pleasure, motivation, and building habits or routines [3]. 

Lastly, underage drinking also affects the cerebellum. This small structure is responsible for motor skills and coordination. This is often why drinking can make people lose their balance and lower their reaction time. 

The Impact of Alcohol on Mental Health

Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the central nervous system by releasing the neurotransmitter GABA, often used in anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. 

Teens may feel stress or anxiety relief from this, especially in social settings. While this may offer short-term relief, as soon as the alcohol leaves the system, it can trigger feelings of anxiety that one would experience during a hangover or withdrawal from alcohol [3].

For teens with depression, bipolar, or another mood disorder, drinking alcohol can trigger manic or depressive episodes by disrupting brain regions that manage emotional regulation and impulse control. 

How to Prevent Underage Drinking

It’s important for parents to provide teens with education, resources, and support to prevent underage drinking. Below are some helpful prevention strategies. 

• Have conversations about alcohol, drugs, and other taboo topics. This can help create an open line of communication and build trust with your teen. 

• Explain to them the risks of how underage drinking can damage their mental health. Don’t use scare tactics; instead show them studies or resources explaining how drinking can increase their risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. 
• Make sure you know their friends, who they spend time with, and where they are going. 
• Set boundaries around underage drinking and explain to them what the rules and consequences are. 
• Keep alcohol stored in a secure, safe place where your teen doesn’t have easy access to it such as in a locked liquor cabinet.  
• Model responsible drinking in the home or choose to abstain from alcohol in the home completely. 
• Encourage them to get involved in sports, the arts, or another extracurricular activity.
• Help them cope with stress positively. Ideas include meditation, journaling, yoga, dance, deep breathing, or getting outside.  
• Reach out for professional help if you believe your teen is struggling with an alcohol abuse problem. 

Teenage Alcohol Treatment in Florida 

Lotus Behavioral Health is a residential treatment facility for teens located in Florida. Our programs are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from alcohol abuse & co-occurring mental health disorders. 

Our facility offers several levels of care, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient services, to meet the needs of teens and their families at all stages of recovery.

Sources

[1] Alcohol and The Adolescent Brain. 2024. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 

[2] Alcohols Effect on Health: Binge Drinking. 2025. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 

[3] Effect of alcohol use on the adolescent brain and behavior. 2020. National Library of Medicine. 

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