User:Jengod/Effect of alcohol on the mind and brain

Brain development
Alcohol consumption in children and adolescents can severely damage the developing brain, resulting in permanent deficits. According to the American Medical Association, the potential impact of underage drinking is significant and includes impairments of "verbal and nonverbal information recall," "an increased risk of social problems, depression, suicidal thoughts and violence," impacts on the sleep cycle and an increased risk of stroke.

Mental health
According to researchers, depression and drinking to excess can reinforce each other, and people who experience depression and drink excessively are "at much greater risk of self-harm and suicide." Alcohol use can also worsen symptoms of schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder.