The first and second medicine most relevant among the young people They start consuming 16 years: Him alcohol use It is a common problem in adolescence and youth. The latest reports published in Spain show this to be the case the most common drug among the youth population, and the first, along with the tobaccowhich starts to be consumed around 16 years.
A team led by the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) observed how the abuse of this substance at these ageswithout becoming an addiction yet, is linked to a series emotional, cognitive and brain changes What can they do with this population? more vulnerable to future alcohol addiction.
Although more research needs to be done, the results obtained could be of great importance. practicality in social and healthcare services Involved in the prevention and treatment of its useand progress in early detection of at-risk youth.
“Moreover, our data shows how Changes at the brain level are greater in boys with risky consumption than in girlshighlighting a potentially greater vulnerability,” say the authors of the study published in the journal Advances in neuropsychopharmacology and biological psychiatry.
Brain activity tests with alcohol intake
The work analyzed the scores, performance in various neuropsychological tests and electrical brain activity at rest 82 young people with an average of 18 years old.
To do this, the researchers used questionnaires focused on aspects of emotional regulation and impulsivity, and conducted a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation in which their performance in tests of attention, memory and functions related to planning, mental flexibility or decision-making.
As for the analysis of brain activity, an electroencephalogram was used which allows us, non-invasively and through electrodes placed on the scalp, to know the electrical activity of the brain in cortical areas.
“With this technique we analyze the relationship between two brain wave patterns (theta/beta). Several studies have linked alcohol to impulsivity and low cognitive controlthe authors conclude.