In a recent editorial in The BMJ, a trio of scientists pointed out that there are three periods in life when the brain goes through major changes and is particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. Two of those periods are at the beginning and end of life. When pregnant women drink alcohol, it can damage the developing brain of the fetus, leading to physical problems, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. When people over the age of 65 drink alcohol, it can worsen declines in brain function that happen during aging.
The third period is adolescence. During those years of transition between childhood and adulthood, the brain grows and changes in many important ways that are crucial for that transition to be successful. When teens and young adults drink alcohol, it can interfere with that process of brain development in ways that affect the rest of their lives.
Yeah, my parents didn’t really let me have more than a glass and these events were weeks sometimes months apart. It was very much intended to foster a healthy relationship with alcohol at a young age.
Also in my household you didn’t offer to pour a glass for someone you just told let them help themselves if they wanted unlike things like lemonade or tea. I’ve noticed as a result less people tend to drink or drank less if you didn’t offer to get them a glass.
Who knew drinking alcohol when the brain is still very much in development is totally healthy!!!
Oh wait
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/alcohol-harms-the-brain-in-teen-years-before-and-after-that-too-2021011521758
Linked paper: https://www.bmj.com/content/371/bmj.m4691
We’re talking a small glass of wine with a meal. We’re not handing them a bottle of Jack and going “chug chug chug!”
Yeah, my parents didn’t really let me have more than a glass and these events were weeks sometimes months apart. It was very much intended to foster a healthy relationship with alcohol at a young age.
Also in my household you didn’t offer to pour a glass for someone you just told let them help themselves if they wanted unlike things like lemonade or tea. I’ve noticed as a result less people tend to drink or drank less if you didn’t offer to get them a glass.
Finally someone points it out.