Why is alcohol consumption especially damaging to an underage individual?

• A. Because underage individuals metabolize alcohol faster than adults, reducing its impact.
• B. Because the brain is still developing during adolescence, making it more vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol.
• C. Because underage individuals have a higher tolerance for alcohol, leading to increased consumption.
• D. Because alcohol has no effect on stress levels in underage individuals.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question is about the effects of alcohol on underage individuals, specifically focusing on why it is especially damaging to them.
2. Recognize that the key concept involves brain development during adolescence, a critical period when the brain is still maturing and is more sensitive to external influences like alcohol.
3. Recall that alcohol can interfere with the normal development of brain structures and functions, potentially causing long-term cognitive and behavioral problems.
4. Evaluate the incorrect options by considering biological facts: underage individuals do not metabolize alcohol faster than adults, nor do they have a higher tolerance; also, alcohol does affect stress levels.
5. Conclude that the most accurate reason is that the adolescent brain's ongoing development makes it more vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol, which can disrupt this process.