Effect of Early Alcohol Consumption on the Brain Essay Example
Effect of Early Alcohol Consumption on the Brain Essay Example

Effect of Early Alcohol Consumption on the Brain Essay Example

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  • Pages: 10 (2521 words)
  • Published: December 29, 2021
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Alcohol consumption is common among young people in developed countries during adolescence and early adulthood. However, this behavior can have negative effects on the brain's structure and function, including cognitive performance and the development of certain brain structures.

Research indicates that the consumption of alcohol by underage individuals can have an impact on brain functioning. This impact is manifested through alterations in brain electrical activities and blood flow in specific brain structures. However, the susceptibility to these effects may vary among young individuals due to various factors such as concomitant drug use, family history of alcoholism, gender, age of alcohol initiation, and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. The objective of this paper is to explore the consequences of early alcohol consumption on the brain.

The effects of chronic heavy drinking on the central nervous system (CNS) are well-documented; neverthele

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ss, it remains uncertain when these CNS changes begin to occur in an individual's drinking history. A recent study suggests that both adolescents and physically healthy youth can experience impaired brain functions as a result of heavy alcohol consumption. This impairment can be attributed to the ongoing process of brain development during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.

In addition, consuming alcohol during this period could result in permanent brain damage because the chemical substances present in alcohol have detrimental effects on the brain.

During young adulthood, the choices made regarding occupation, education, and social life play a crucial role. If cognitive functioning is impaired during this period, it can have serious implications for the future (Zahr et al, 2011). To gain better insights into how alcohol affects brain development, researchers have conducted imaging studies on teenagers and young adults. A comparison

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between adolescents who consume alcohol and those who do not reveals significant disparities in hippocampus volume. The hippocampus is responsible for learning and memory. Heavy alcohol consumption during adolescence results in a ten percent reduction in the size of the hippocampus. In this stage, alcohol has a particularly detrimental effect on hippocampal function because it destroys nerve cells and leads to brain cell death.

Studies have revealed that certain sections of the corpus callosum in alcoholic youths are compromised. Additionally, the integrity of white matter in young individuals decreases due to factors like duration and recent excessive alcohol consumption, as well as symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (Tarter et al, 2012). The prefrontal lobe, which is responsible for language, judgment, planning, and decision-making functions, undergoes significant changes in young people. Comparatively, young individuals who heavily consume alcohol have smaller prefrontal lobes compared to their non-alcohol-consuming peers within the same age group. In the United States, there is a concerning prevalence of alcohol-related issues among young adults who misuse alcohol.

Kissin and Begleiter (2012) state that the brains of young individuals who drink alcohol undergo harmful changes, unlike those who do not consume alcohol. The consumption of alcohol has a negative impact on the prefrontal lobe, responsible for learning activities, potentially leading to academic underperformance. Moreover, alcohol affects the cerebellum, which plays a vital role in awareness, thoughts, and coordination among young adults. Consequently, this can result in impaired thinking and coordination as well as physical symptoms such as shaky hands, difficulty holding objects, loss of balance, and falls after repeated drinking episodes. Additionally, the consumption of alcohol also influences the hypothalamus that regulates body temperature and pressure.

Alcohol has

various effects on the body, impacting different parts. The hypothalamus is affected by alcohol, leading to a decrease in body temperature and heart rate, as well as an increase in the urge to urinate, hunger, and blood pressure. In young adults, alcohol affects the medulla oblongata which controls involuntary actions like heart beat and body temperature regulation. This can result in a chilling effect when consuming excessive alcohol in cold weather, causing below-normal body temperature (Tarter et al., 2012). Furthermore, recent studies indicate that adolescents who misuse alcohol suffer negative impacts on their neurocognitive functioning including decreased attention, memory, and information processing speed.

Drinking alcohol during adolescence can result in a 10% decline in memory and cognitive abilities compared to individuals who abstain from alcohol. This decline encompasses difficulties with remembering both verbal and non-verbal information, as well as challenges related to attention, language skills, and academic performance. These cognitive limitations have the potential to impede future planning, reasoning, and problem-solving capabilities. Individuals with a family history of alcohol-related problems may be particularly vulnerable to alcohol's negative impacts due to variations in neuro-maturation and response to nerve impulses (Noronha et al., 2014). Furthermore, alcohol affects psychological brain function which is gauged through tasks involving memory and thinking.

The consumption of alcohol has a significant impact on the mental well-being of young adults, potentially increasing their inclination towards suicide. Young individuals who are dependent on alcohol exhibit a much higher prevalence of suicidal tendencies in comparison to those who are not dependent. It is estimated that around 25% of alcoholics across the globe attempt suicide. Moreover, alcohol can also lead to hepatic encephalopathy, a type of liver damage

characterized by psychological symptoms.

Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition that hampers the brain's ability to remove toxic waste substances from the blood, resulting in various psychological effects like mood changes, impaired functionality, disturbed sleep patterns, and psychiatric disorders like stress, anxiety, and depression. These mental disruptions significantly impact young adults by causing unhappiness and potentially jeopardizing their future academic work and family life (Hermens et al., 2013). Furthermore, impaired brain function can lead to other chronic illnesses due to the improper coordination of essential bodily processes. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy may experience mood swings, alterations in personality, and disrupted sleep patterns. In severe cases, this condition can progress into hepatic coma which is usually fatal.

Frequent alcohol consumption among young individuals can lead to blackouts and memory lapses. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair memory, and this impairment becomes worse as the level of alcohol in the brain rises. Blackouts often occur when large amounts of alcohol are quickly consumed, especially on an empty stomach. These blackouts happen due to acute intoxication, which is commonly observed in social drinkers. College students frequently experience blackouts, particularly after attending social events where peer pressure encourages excessive and uncontrolled drinking.

Remembering the previous day's activities and locations can be challenging for many students, possibly due to mental impairment. This difficulty in memory often results in engaging in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, vandalism, and reckless driving (Watson, 2012). It is surprising that both young men and women experience blackouts, even though men generally drink more alcohol. Nonetheless, research indicates that young women are more prone to blackouts than young men because of variances in metabolism.

Young females have a

higher risk of alcohol-related impairment compared to males, even if they consume the same amount of alcohol. Approximately 75% of teenagers are affected by Korsakoff Syndrome, which is caused by thiamine deficiency. Some individuals progress to Wernickle Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS), which causes severe brain damage and consists of two conditions: Wernikle's encephalopathy (short-term) and Korsakoff's psychosis (long-term) (Zahr et al, 2011). Wernikle's encephalopathy leads to nerve paralysis affecting eye movement coordination, muscle paralysis, and difficulty with muscle coordination. It can result in walking difficulties and occasional forgetfulness about leaving a room. However, only a small percentage of young alcoholics develop this condition.

Zahr et al (2011) discovered that approximately one-quarter of young patients diagnosed with Wernickle's encephalopathy might develop Korsakoff's psychosis, a chronic condition characterized by memory and learning difficulties. Furthermore, individuals with Korsakoff psychosis commonly face frustration and coordination and walking issues. Alcohol consumption can disrupt the communication between nerve cells in the brain and other body parts. This disruption occurs because of changes in the brain's two primary neurotransmitters, which act as messengers for transmitting information between cells. As a result, alcohol consumption has the potential to impact the functioning of these neurotransmitters, leading to coordination loss within the body.

Adolescents and young adults, whose brain development may not be complete, can face increased harm. As a result, many countries have imposed restrictions on alcohol consumption for those under the age of eighteen (Welch et al, 2013). Additionally, prolonged alcohol use can cause damage to the brain and hinder its functioning. This detrimental effect also affects vision since the brain is essential in coordinating eye movements.

The consequence is a dual vision or permanent harm to

the eyes. Alcohol weakens the eye muscles; impaired vision can diminish the alcoholic's response time. Additionally, consuming alcohol in young individuals disrupts peripheral vision and results in tunnel vision. Impaired brain growth decelerates pupil activity, making it challenging to expand or contract them. Consequently, an alcoholic may struggle to drive effectively as they have difficulty responding to oncoming headlights. Alcohol-related brain damage can also modify an individual's color discrimination skills.

The decrease in vision, color perception problems, and reduction in peripheral vision caused by optic neuropathy make it challenging to distinguish between similar colors. This problem worsens over time, especially among young individuals. Moreover, excessive alcohol intake can trigger migraines accompanied by light sensitivity.

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to an increase in the growth of blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in a reddish and bloodshot appearance. In later stages of life, young individuals who consume large amounts of alcohol may experience involuntary rapid eye movement. This condition causes the alcoholic's eyes to move involuntarily back and forth (Sorensen, 2013).

The Central Nervous System (CNS) is responsible for transmitting sensory information, controlling motor functions, and regulating emotions. It consists of nerves, the spinal cord, and the brain. The CNS is protected by bones: specifically, the spinal cord is safeguarded by the spinal column while the brain is shielded by the skull.

Alcohol has the ability to decrease nerve cell activity by reducing excitement levels, while also having the potential to increase animation, excitement, and sociability. In young adults, alcohol can have negative effects on brain development leading to impaired memory, altered speech, slowed reaction times, weakened muscles, and impaired thinking (Welch et al, 2013). The teenage brain consists

of numerous neurons that form multiple connections. Alcohol has the ability to harm or destroy these neurons which can hinder the development of maturing regions within the brain.

When alcohol enters the bloodstream, it crosses the blood-brain barrier and affects brain cells. This impact occurs in regions of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotion regulation. The effects are particularly important during adolescence and young adulthood when these processes are occurring.

According to Science NetLinks (2016), the development of the adolescent brain greatly influences their traits. The consumption of alcohol can harm the developing prefrontal cortex, affecting young adults' rational decision-making and evaluation skills. As a result, teenagers may partake in impulsive actions like engaging in unprotected sex or drunk driving, without considering the potential outcomes. Ultimately, these behaviors can have lasting consequences for their future.

Alcohol has the potential to interact with certain medications, such as those prescribed for attention deficit disorder. This interaction can result in various effects, including impaired concentration in teenagers who are taking antidepressants like Prozac. Moreover, combining alcohol with lithium, a medication used to manage bipolar disorder, can have adverse impacts on motor skills, cognition, and decision-making abilities.

Teenage drinking is closely linked to future alcohol-related problems. In the United States, young people usually start drinking at a young age. Currently, the average age for starting alcohol consumption is fifteen years, compared to around seventeen years in 1965. Those who begin drinking at fifteen are four times more likely to show signs of alcohol dependence than those who start at eighteen.

Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can result in significant drinking issues in middle age and earlier due to brain damage. Alcohol

causes the brain to develop tolerance, necessitating higher amounts of alcohol for desired effects (Johnson, 2012). The central nervous system (CNS) and the entire nervous system experience a slowdown of nerve cells as a result of alcohol, prompting the brain to activate a mechanism that accelerates these cells. However, over time, this excessive reliance on alcohol depletes the capacity of the brain's nerve cells, causing them to rely on alcohol for proper functioning and relaxation.

According to a study by Dr. Tapert, the effect of alcohol is more noticeable in young females compared to males (Science NetLinks, 2016). The research reveals that girls scored lower than average on tests measuring spatial functioning, while boys faced difficulties with tasks demanding attention.

Sensitivity to alcohol in young people may lead to a positive response, causing some youths to feel the urge and power to consume more drugs after drinking alcohol. Consequently, excessive alcohol consumption can harm the developing brains of young individuals. Disrupting the brain's development can have long-term consequences, as it continues to mature in young people (Jacobus & Tapert, 2013).

Conclusion

Based on the foregoing discussion, it is evident that alcohol has significant adverse effects on the brains of young people.

Brain damage caused by alcohol can vary depending on factors such as sex, nutrition, and origin. However, it is particularly common in young adults, especially college students who engage in heavy drinking due to peer pressure. The psychological effects of alcohol on young adults are a contributing factor to suicidal behavior in many parts of the world. In fact, young adults who abuse alcohol are twenty times more likely to commit suicide compared to those who do not. It

is estimated that over 15% of alcoholics worldwide end up taking their own lives. Additionally, alcohol-induced brain damage can also affect the liver, leading to hepatic encephalopathy.

Alcohol brain effect is prevalent among college students, leading to numerous consequences such as a high college dropout rate, engaging in unprotected sex, and performing poorly academically. Continued heavy drinking results in the brain becoming accustomed to alcohol, eventually developing a tolerance for it.

References

  1. Alcohol and Your Brain - Science NetLinks. (2016). Sciencenetlinks.com. Retrieved 31 May 2016, from http://sciencenetlinks.com/student-teacher-sheets/alcohol-and-your-brain/
  2. Enoch, M. A. (2011). The role of early life stress as a predictor for alcohol and drug dependence. Psychopharmacology, 214(1), 17-31. Hermens, D.

F., Lagopoulos, J., Tobias-Webb, J., De Regt, T., Dore, G., Juckes, L., ... ; Hickie, I. B. (2013).

Pathways to alcohol-induced brain impairment in young people: a review. Cortex, 49(1), 3-17. Jacobus, J., ; Tapert, S. F. (2013).

The text discusses the neurotoxic effects of alcohol in adolescence, as mentioned in the "Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 9." Additionally, it references the "Handbook of Lithium Therapy" by F.N. Johnson (2012) and mentions B. Kissin and H. Begleiter.

(2012). The Biology of Alcoholism: Volume 2: Physiology and Behavior. Boston, MA: Springer US.

  • Sorensen, O. (2013).
  • How Alcohol Affects Your Eyes. Natural Vision Improvement - Eye Exercises ; Eye Vitamins. Retrieved 31 May 2016, from http://www.rebuildyourvision.com/blog/food-for-your-eyes/how-alcohol-affects-your-eyes/

  • Tarter, R. E., Van, T.
  • D.H., Edwards, K.L. (2012). Alcohol and the brain: Chronic effects.

    New York: Plenum Medical.

    • Watson, S. (2012). Binge drinking. Edina, Minn: ABDO Pub.

  • Welch, K. A., Carson, A., & Lawrie, S. M.
  • (2013). A systematic review of imaging studies investigating brain structure in adolescents and young adults with alcohol problems. Published in Alcohol and Alcoholism, 48(4), 433-444.

  • Authors: Zahr, N. M., Kaufman, K. L., & Harper, C. G.
  • (2011). Clinical and pathological characteristics of alcohol-related brain damage. Nature Reviews Neurology, 7(5), 284-294.

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