At what age can alcohol and drug use hurt your brain?
Alcohol and drugs can impact upon the brain at any age. There is evidence that alcohol and substance use can cause increased damage for younger people as their brain has not finished development. Alcohol and substances, particularly inhalants can interfere with the normal process of brain development, meaning some normal developmental milestones are reached later or not at all. For some older alcohol users (over around 45), the damaging effects of their drinking can accelerate as their brain ages.
Alcohol and drugs can impact upon the brain at any age. There is evidence that alcohol and substance use can cause increased damage for younger people as their brain has not finished development. Alcohol and substances, particularly inhalants can interfere with the normal process of brain development, meaning some normal developmental milestones are reached later or not at all. For some older alcohol users (over around 45), the damaging effects of their drinking can accelerate as their brain ages.
