Abstract

RODRIGUEZ GARCIA, Francisco David; SANCHIZ RUIZ, María Luisa  and  BISQUERRA ALZINA, Rafael. Alcohol consumption during adolescence: Medical considerations and educational counseling. Salud Ment [online]. 2014, vol.37, n.3, pp.255-260. ISSN 0185-3325.

Alcohol is the most commonly consumed psychoactive drug among Spanish adolescents. The effects of alcohol on human brain, specifically on neurotransmission, are broadly studied. The adolescent brain is especially vulnerable to the effects of alcohol due to the intense and active processes of synapses restructuring ocurring during this period. To achieve and establish educational interventions directed to facilitate and eradicate harmful habits related to alcohol consumption during adolescence, it is necessary to join resources, knowledge and forces focused on a better understanding of the biological effects of alcohol and the harm produced in the emotional, social and familiar realms. Here, we discuss that intervention needs previous evaluation and should focus on Secondary Education, a crucial period in human development.

Keywords : Alcohol; adolescence; brain; educational counseling.