The saying "play stupid games, win stupid prizes" applies well to alcohol. While alcohol may be consumed safely, responsibly, and enjoyably, its natural effects can quickly lead to impaired judgment, poor decisions, and unforeseen consequences ranging from the embarrassing to the deadly. The body can process alcohol in moderation, but when one overindulges, alcohol slows down the brain and nervous system, reducing coordination, perception, and inhibition. It can also damage brain cells and neurons as well as other organs such as the kidneys and liver and is especially harmful to developing bodies. Knowing when you've crossed the line between moderation and too much can be difficult. With potentially awful consequences connected to alcohol abuse, including alcohol poisoning, car accidents, and participating in unprotected sex, it's crucial for teens to know how alcohol stresses the brain, what signs of inebriation to watch for in themselves and their peers, and how to turn down a drink despite peer pressure.

Originally released by Cambridge Educational, 2019. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on March 26, 2019.

Alcohol's Strain on Your Brain (6:09);.