Which statement describes two long-term health risks of regular adolescent alcohol use?

• A. Immediate weight gain and increased vitamin absorption.
• B. Enhanced immune function.
• C. Improved concentration and memory.
• D. Impaired brain development affecting memory/learning and a higher risk of addiction and mental health problems.

Answer: (D)

Regular alcohol use during adolescence can disrupt brain development and increase the risk of mental health problems and addiction later on. Adolescence is a key time when the brain is still maturing, especially areas involved in memory, learning, and impulse control. Alcohol can interfere with how neural connections are formed and wired, which can lead to lasting difficulties with memory and learning. At the same time, starting to drink regularly in adolescence raises the chance of developing alcohol use problems in adulthood and can contribute to mood and anxiety disorders, making long‑term mental health issues more likely.

This statement accurately describes two long-term harms: impaired brain development affecting memory and learning, and a higher risk of addiction and mental health problems.

Other options describe effects that aren’t about long-term harms, or describe unlikely benefits, which don’t reflect the real risks associated with sustained adolescent drinking.