Alcohol and Brain Development in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Advisory Report of the Health Council of the Netherlands

The study systematically reviewed literature on how alcohol consumption impacts brain development in adolescents and young adults (ages 12–24). It found that alcohol can negatively affect brain structure, particularly gray and white matter, and cognitive functions like memory, attention, and decision-making. Drinking at a younger age or in higher amounts increases the risk of alcohol use disorders later in life. While the evidence strongly suggests harmful effects on brain development, results vary due to study quality and confounding factors. The research supports policies limiting youth alcohol consumption, emphasizing its potential long-term risks for brain health and cognitive performance.

Adolescents and young adults should avoid alcohol to support healthy brain development and lower risks of future cognitive issues. The recommendation is based on longitudinal human studies, providing moderate-to-high evidence but still subject to variability in findings due to study design differences. Public health messaging should emphasize delayed drinking onset to safeguard brain health.