Physical Effects of Alcohol on Children

Alcohol is the most used drug by both children and adults. If a child starts using alcohol, she will be four times more likely to become addicted to alcohol than other children who do not experiment. Addiction is not the only potential problem associated with use, however. There are also a number of physical effects of alcohol on children.

Depression

The child's system will become depressed, both physically and mentally. The physical depression occurs when the sense of self-control is lost.

Motor Function

A child will become clumsy and uncoordinated. She may have accidents or slip and fall.

Brain Damage

Alcohol can cause damage to the child's brain, making him forgetful or confused.

Visual Impairment

Perception may be altered, and the child may "see things" or not be able to see correctly.

Slow Reflexes

Due to the physical depression of the system, the child's reflexes will slow.

Nausea

Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, causing nausea and vomiting.

Liver Damage

Long term use of alcohol can cause serious damage to the liver, ranging from hypoglycemia to cirrhosis to liver failure.

Resources

• AMA - Risks of Brain Damage from Alcohol
• National Toxicology Program