Alcohol and the Teen Brain

Whenever the Super Bowl rolls around, we realize just how excited people get about commercials. This last year during the NFL playoffs, Bud Light started replaying some of their most popular ads from past decades. Then, on Super Bowl Sunday, the actors who have become Bud Light legends appeared together in an updated ad for the beer. Watching these ads reminded me of the power of marketing, particularly the power of marketing alcohol to young underage drinkers. Alcohol ads make it appear it appear that drinking brings people together and makes them happy. There are many good reasons for warning our kids about the dangers of alcohol. One in particular is in regards to the effect alcohol consumption has on the adolescent brain. The teen brain as designed by God is growing and changing in ways that are crucial for future health. We need to teach them that drinking during the teen years can interfere with that process and have long-term negative consequences.