The researchers, from the University of California, San Diego, obtained MRI images of the brains of several young people between the ages of 12 and 16 who had not yet started drinking and followed their lifestyle habits for three years. The results showed that adolescents who initially showed less activation in certain areas of the brain had a higher risk of becoming habitual drinkers in the following years. "The result is interesting," says Lindsay M. Squeglia, one of the authors, "as it suggests that there is a certain vulnerability prior to alcohol consumption," she adds.
The researchers also found that, once they had started drinking, the brain activity of the youngsters showed similar patterns to those of heavy drinkers. This reinforces the idea that binge drinking affects the brain at a time in life when peak performance is needed. "You are learning to drive, preparing to go to university … It is a really important moment for life and for your cognitive development," added Squeglia.
