The teenage years are particularly vulnerable to negative impacts on the brain such as alcohol use. It is during the teen years that dramatic growth and change occur in the brain, and drinking alcohol in this time can result in negative changes to brain development and function. This podcast talks about the consequences of underage drinking, the impact of alcohol on the developing teenage brain, and parents’ role in delaying the use of alcohol.

A simplified explanation of the brain science of a developing teenage brain is featured in this podcast and in a few other tools on the ParentingMontana.org website. The Montana Department of Health and Human Services and the Center for Health and Safety Culture at Montana State University, who bring you this podcast, felt parents and those in a parenting role should be equipped with the information to have an open discussion with their children about why alcohol can be harmful to the developing brain as well as the other risks. 

Parents are the most  important influence in their child’s life, therefore parents play a major role in their teen’s decision to drink alcohol. Parents, you can greatly reduce repercussions of alcohol on your teen’s brain development if you can delay the age at which your teen initiates alcohol use. This podcast equips you with information to have essential conversations with your child. You can help prevent the immediate and long term risks associated with teenage alcohol use and it’s harm to the brain.