Alcohol and Adolescent Intelligence: Navigating the Risks

For many young people, the question of whether drinking beer has an impact on their intelligence arises:

Are 17 year olds wise to indulge in a few pints? Should they emulate the bollywood actors who drink a mock beer mixed with water and ginger ale in their advertisements? Is the beer just a flavor or a gateway to binging?

Understanding the Drinking Experience

The idea that a tequila shot and a Modelo beer mixed with ginger ale create a lion’s worth of liquid often perceived as a strong choice for young adults is a myth. In reality, many commercial beers, when prepared in certain ways, can become weak in comparison to their intended strength.

For instance, mixing a Modelo beer in a shot glass and pouring it with a ginger ale mimics a Moc American, often referred to as the “mocktail”. This concoction, instead of being powerful, is misleading in terms of its strength and effect.

Health Implications of Excessive Consumption

While a single beer a week may not pose significant risks to cognitive abilities, excessive consumption, particularly in the form of binge drinking, can lead to negative impacts on cognitive function and overall brain health.

According to health professionals, moderate to high levels of alcohol consumption are linked to a range of cognitive impairments, including memory loss, poor judgment, and reduced problem-solving abilities.

Developing Brains and Alcohol

Youth is a critical period for brain development, especially in terms of the establishment of myelin, the protective coating around neurons that improves communication and processing speed. In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21 because the brain continues to develop until around the age of 25. For 17-year-olds, avoiding alcohol consumption is wise until their brains have had the chance to fully mature.

Sensible Drinking Practices

Sensible drinking practices around the world often involve small volumes of alcohol consumed with meals. This approach aligns with the advice of health professionals who recommend responsible drinking. However, societal norms often encourage risky drinking behaviors, such as binge drinking, especially among college students and young adults in the military or navy.

Binge drinking involves consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period, which can lead to rapid intoxication and long-term health issues, including brain damage. Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of binge drinking due to the ongoing development of their brains.

Personal and Moral Responsibility

Therefore, it is essential to approach drinking with caution. For those under 21, abstaining from alcohol and other mind-altering substances is the safest course of action. Drinking should not be motivated by the desire to experience a flavor or get drunk.

If you are looking for variety and enjoy the taste of different drinks, there are countless flavors to explore without resorting to alcohol. Maintaining personal integrity and resisting peer pressure to drink irresponsibly is crucial.

Seek professional medical advice if you have concerns about your alcohol consumption or the potential effects on your health. A real doctor can provides personalized guidance and support.