MADD Teen Influencer
September 2024
Ask A Teen Influencer Looking for some advice? Submit questions anonymously with the link below or by clicking on the icon to the left. MADD Teen Influencers may respond to your question on the next episode of Healthy Teen Talks! TINYURL.COM/MADDTEENADVICE
by Ben Haworth, MADD Teen Influencer My Personal Reasons to Stay Sober 2
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), around 13 million people from the ages of 12 to 20 consume alcohol. That’s nearly a third of the entire age demographic. While these statistics are certainly concerning, their magnitude can often mask the unfortunate personal experiences and difficulties that come with such risky decisions. The numbers don’t lie, but perhaps it would be better to direct our attention to some more practical, tangible reasons to avoid drinking entirely. While staying sober might not be the most popular choice among most teens, I made the decision not to drink long before my high school journey began. One major reason I chose sobriety was the overall negative health issues that come with
drinking, especially with a body that is still growing. The underdeveloped teenage brain is more likely to become addicted to alcohol than an adult brain. Our reward systems can very easily be hijacked by any addictive substance, but, unlike in adults, alcohol can permanently damage the adolescent brain, often
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator