Just as in adults, alcohol addiction has several short term and long term health effects in children too. However, in children these health effects can be more clearly felt because of their greater biological vulnerability as compared to adults.
The health effects of this kind of substance abuse in children can be grouped as follows:-Effects on the Brain
Alcohol has several direct effects on the adolescent brain. The most common effects are changes in the brain’s capacity to rationalize. This effect is observed as soon as the child consumes the drink. The state of intoxication that is caused in the immediate aftermath of the consumption clearly hampers the child’s thinking ability. Long term usage of alcohol will cause problems with retention and ability to concentrate. The child will have problems with studies and will develop a weak memory.
Effects on the Liver
Liver damage in children is not as rampant as in adults, especially due to their young age. But as the children grow with the habit, the liver damage can be more clearly seen. In children, there may be some signs of liver damage observed, but nothing too drastic at that age. However, there is a propensity of the liver enzymes to be elevated and become hyperactive. This effect is more clearly seen in obese children.
Effects on the Hormones
Several hormonal changes occur in puberty, which occurs at the age we are speaking about. Puberty occurs in females somewhere between 8 and 12 years and in males somewhere between 11 and 14 years, though there may be variations. An alcohol abuse at this time will cause an increase in the production of the sex hormones, estrogen (female) and testosterone (male). Also, the hormonal equilibrium required for the development of muscles, bones and vital organs can be hampered due to the substance abuse.