How does alcohol affect decision making and risk-taking in adolescents?

• A. Reduces inhibition and analytical thinking, increases impulsivity and risk-taking.
• B. Increases inhibition and analytical thinking.
• C. No effect on decision making.
• D. Improves impulse control.

Answer: (A)

Alcohol affects the brain regions that control judgment and self-control, and this impact is especially pronounced in adolescents because their brains are still developing. When teens drink, the prefrontal cortex, which helps with planning, weighing consequences, and inhibiting impulses, works less effectively. At the same time, emotional and reward-driven parts of the brain can become more influential, so teens are more prone to act on impulses and take risks. This combination means thinking through options and recognizing potential consequences is weakened, while the urge to act quickly or go with a thrill-seeking choice increases. So the strongest, most accurate description is that alcohol reduces inhibition and analytical thinking, and increases impulsivity and risk-taking. The other statements don’t fit what alcohol does to adolescent decision making, and they overlook the clear impairment of judgment and self-control.