Teen drinking: why it is so dangerous for young people to abuse alcohol

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in six adults drink, and 25% drink at least once a week.

However, it is most common among young people between the ages of 18 and 24, leading to emergencies such as This was reported on Saturday at the University of Massachusetts. More than 30 college students have been rushed to the hospital after they participated in a TikTok-fueled drinking bout.

As part of this trend, students prepare and drink “gallons of blackout rage” or “BORG”, which consist of a mixture of alcohol, electrolytes, flavors, and water. As of Monday, the “BORG” video on TikTok has amassed 81.5 million views and continues to grow.

WHAT IS “BORG?” generation Z

Every year, more than 3,900 people under the age of 21 die due to excessive drinkingdrunkenness poses a real danger to young people.

Dr. Eric Collins, in NYC The addiction psychiatrist and chief medical officer of RecoveryEducation.com said that while drinking is dangerous for everyone, the behavioral consequences can be more dangerous for younger people.

Drunkenness is most common among young people between the ages of 18 and 24. "The brains of adolescents and young adults are not yet fully developed, making them more vulnerable to impulsive, emotionally driven behavior." one expert said.

Drunkenness is most common among young people between the ages of 18 and 24. “The brains of adolescents and young adults are not yet fully developed, making them more vulnerable to impulsive, emotionally driven behavior,” said one expert. (iStock)

“Brain teenagers and young people have not fully developed, making them more vulnerable to impulsive, emotionally driven behavior, which is the most common cause of alcohol-related injury and death,” he told Fox News Digital in an email.

“Furthermore, young people may not develop significant alcohol tolerance, making them more vulnerable to the toxic effects of alcohol at any blood alcohol concentration,” he said.

What is a binge?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines binge drinking as “a pattern of drinking in which the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08% – or 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter – or higher.”

Young people who abuse alcohol are more likely to have impaired judgment and engage in risky behavior.

Young people who abuse alcohol are more likely to have impaired judgment and engage in risky behavior. (iStock)

For a woman, this is equivalent to consuming four or more drinks in about two hours; for a man, that would be five or more drinks.

Blood alcohol levels rise faster in younger people over the same time period (three drinks for girls and three to five drinks for boys).

Every year, more than 3,900 people under the age of 21 die due to excessive drinking.

“Drink has a very specific definition. Often when people make a mixed drink, it qualifies as more than one drink if it contains more than one serving of alcohol,” said Bruce Bussey, MD, a US addiction psychiatrist. Jacksonville, Floridain an interview with Fox News Digital.

Short-term effects of teenage drinking

Young people who drink are more likely to have impaired judgment and engage in risky behavior such as drunk driving or engaging in unprotected sex. Bass warned.

“Drinking can cause blackouts during which the person is conscious but cannot remember what happened during the episode,” he said.

IF YOU DRINK MORE ALCOHOL, HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A potentially life-threatening consequence of excessive drinking is alcohol poisoning or alcohol overdose, where the body cannot work fast enough to filter out the amount of alcohol consumed.

As a result, certain areas of the brain begin to shut down, as explained on the NIH website.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, convulsions, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, and low body temperature.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, convulsions, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate, and low body temperature. (iStock)

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, convulsions, difficulty breathing, slow heart rate and low body temperature.

Severe cases can lead to permanent brain damage or even death.

Cognitive decline, illness, long-term consequences possible

Because the teen brain is still developing, dr. Bassi said that drinking too much alcohol can lead to long-term cognitive development.

“Exposure to high doses of alcohol during this time can disrupt the development of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision making, impulse control, and emotional regulation,” he explained.

“The later a young person puts off drinking, the lower the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.”

Mental problems such as depression, anxietyAttention deficits and insomnia can also occur among teenage drinkers, Bassi added.

Long-term physical health also suffers.

Just one drinking session can weaken the immune system. Over time, regular alcohol abuse can lead to liver damage as well as multiple types of cancer, according to the NIH.

"Drinking can lead to poor academic performance, strained relationships with family and friends, and legal problems." - said one psychiatrist-narcologist.

“Drunkenness can lead to poor academic performance, strained relationships with family and friends, and legal trouble,” said one addiction psychiatrist. (iStock)

There are also negative social consequences.

“Excessive drinking can lead to poor academic performance, strained relationships with family and friends, and legal problems,” the doctor said. Bass.

And the pattern of behavior can extend into adulthood. Dr. Collins warned that the effects of repeated drinking during adolescence could leave the brain more vulnerable to development. alcohol use disorder later in life.

Fast healing, long term support are key

If a young person is addicted to potentially dangerous drinking, Dr. Bassi recommends going to the emergency room to ensure a safe alcohol detox.

A PILL TO ENSURE DRUNK? RESEARCHERS SHARE DISCOVERING RESULTS

“In the emergency room, treatment for binge drinking can include dealing with any urgent medical issues, such as alcohol poisoning or injuries sustained during an episode,” he said.

Once people are out of immediate danger after drinking, they may consider seeking therapy or alcoholism treatment programs.

Once people are out of immediate danger after drinking, they may consider seeking therapy or alcoholism treatment programs. (iStock)

“A person may be given fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration and treat any injury or disease.”

Once the body has processed the alcohol and the person is out of immediate danger, people may consider therapy or alcoholism treatment programs.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HEALTH INFORMATION

“More intensive treatment options may include medication, inpatient treatment programs, or outpatient treatment programs,” the doctor said. Bass.

In general, experts agree that abstinence from underage drinking is the best defense against the serious risks of drinking.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“The later a young person delays drinking, the lower the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder,” the doctor said. Collins.