When 'just say no' isn't enough

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Teens are fascinated by how their brains work, and U.S. experts suggest using this fascination to discuss why they should not drink alcohol.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science recommends that parents, teachers and caregivers use that fascination with the brain to engage middle and high school students this holiday season in a discussion of why they shouldn't drink alcohol.

Scientists used to believe that human brains finished developing before adolescence, but The Science Inside Alcohol Project says research indicates important brain regions and their interconnections are still developing well into a person's 20s.

The brain is made up of more than 100 billion neurons, each making tens of thousands of connections, the groups said. Alcohol can damage or even kill neurons, perhaps altering development of those parts of the adolescent brain that are still forming.

The AAAS said research suggests alcohol can cause teens to:

-- Make bad decisions. The prefrontal cortex, which is involved in planning and decision-making, does not completely mature until after the teen years.

-- Develop a tolerance for alcohol and drink more over time.

-- Take risks they usually would not take.

-- Harm their memories.

-- Cause problems with medications.