How alcohol impacts the brain, body, and behavior

An educational and socially significant lesson in an interview format took place in East Kazakhstan region. The lesson was organized by Örken East Kazakhstan Regional Scientific and Methodological Center for Informatization and Education Development of Education Administration of East Kazakhstan region. The topic of the meeting was the effects of alcohol on the brain, body and behavior of adolescents. The speaker was Armangul M. Jembayeva, an expert from Shygys Preventive Medicine Center.

The lesson addressed one of the most crucial issues of improving adolescent health. During the discussion, Armangul M. Jembayeva explained in detail why adolescence is the most vulnerable age for alcohol consumption. The speaker stressed that the prefrontal cortex of the brain continues to develop until approximately age 25, and any alcohol consumption during this period can disrupt the development of planning skills, self-awareness and behavior control.     

Particular attention was paid to the physiological effects of alcohol on the adolescent body. Armangul M. Jembayeva clearly described how ethanol, rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, affects nearly every organ - from the liver and pancreas to the cardiovascular and nervous systems. The speaker noted that even “small doses” of alcohol pose serious risks for teenagers, as they cause rapid addiction and impair neural activity.

A separate part of the interview addressed behavioral changes in adolescents under the impact of alcohol, including increased aggression, impulsivity, and reduced self-control and awareness. The participants discussed the effects of alcohol on memory, learning and academic performance, as well as road safety and the inadmissibility of drunk driving.

Another important aspect of the discussion was the issue of the emotional state of teenagers. The speaker stressed that alcohol does not resolve anxiety, stress and depressive experiences, in fact, it significantly worsens them, leading to addiction.  

The issue of peer pressure and teenagers’ ability to say “no” was also highlighted during the lesson. Armangul M. Jembayeva gave examples of how teenagers can correctly refuse alcoholic drinks while maintaining self-respect and standing by their personal choices. She stressed that today’s youth increasingly understand the importance of a sober lifestyle and are better able to set healthy boundaries.

The lesson concluded with a call for mindfulness, responsibility for their own future, and attention to personal health. The participants thanked the speaker for a meaningful and honest discussion of this highly relevant topic.