Our brain is the most important organ in our body. Our brain is in charge of everything that happens in our body, and it is in charge of all our growth and development.

Approximately 40% of our brain's neurons (nerve cells) are "connected" and "chatting" with each other at birth. The other 60% of our neurons are waiting for stimulation from our senses to initiate their connections so they can communicate with each other.

Our brain sends trillions of messages that develop us, and all of these messages must be delivered on time and in perfect condition in order for us to develop properly.

We used to think that adolescent's brains were fully developed; however, new research shows that the human brain continues its basic development well into the early 20's. Brain development during the first 21-24 years of life provides the foundation for our development the rest of our lives.

Alcohol affects neural receptors that exist through out the brain; therefore, alcohol is capable of affecting almost every function of the brain. That is why some scientists say that alcohol has a "passkey" to our brain.

Alcohol affects the adolescent brain differently and much more negatively than it affects the adult brain. The adolescent brain is more vulnerable to alcohol-induced learning and memory impairments than mature brains.

The neurons dedicated to higher order thinking are ready to be connected during adolescence. Because alcohol can interfere with our brain's communication system, messages intended to develop higher order thinking can be interrupted.

The hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for learning and memory, is at great risk for damage due to alcohol consumption during adolescence. Research shows that the hippocampi of adolescents who use alcohol heavily are approximately 10% smaller than those who do not drink alcohol.

Adolescents can suffer an alcohol overdose easier than adults can. Even though an adolescent may have the same blood alcohol content as an intoxicated adult, the adolescent is far less likely to feel the effects of intoxication the way the adult does. Because adolescents do not feel "impaired" when they are intoxicated, they are far more likely to keep drinking alcohol longer than adults, thereby increasing their risks for overdose and for cognitive impairments and brain damage.

Knowing how the human brain works can help children and youth understand what can harm their brains and how they can protect their own development. Click here to learn about MADD's programs that teach children and youth about how the human brain works and how to protect it.