Adolescents who do drink are more likely to suffer greater motor- impairing and greater memory-impairing effects of alcohol than adults. In contrast adolescents are less likely to become sleepy after drinking, which may be dangerous as they may stay up later, consume more alcohol or other substances, and/or engage in risky behaviors.

Because the prefrontal regions of the brain are still developing, adolescents under the influence of alcohol may be more likely to make risky decisions, such as getting into a car with a drunk driver, using other substances, and/or getting into dangerous dating situations.

Some negative long-term effects of drinking during adolescence have also been suggested, including a 10% reduction in the ability to learn and retain new information. Liver dental, skin, and bone health may also be affected.

Even in adulthood, it is very important to use alcohol in moderation, as heavy use of alcohol (4 or more drinks in a day for females; 5 or more for males) is associated with increased risk of accidents and social problems as well as long-term health problems. The USDA recommends no more than 7 drinks per week for adult women and 14 per week for adult men.

Susan Tapert, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego