Binge drinking in adolescents: a review of neurophysiological and neuroimaging research.

AIMS While the relationship between chronic exposure to alcohol and neurobiological damage is well established, deleterious brain effects of binge drinking in youths have only recently been studied. METHODS Narrative review of studies of brain disturbances associated with binge drinking as assessed by neuroimaging (EEG and IRMf techniques in particular) in adolescent drinkers. RESULTS Some major points still deserved to be investigated; directions for future research are suggested. CONCLUSIONS Information and prevention programs should emphasize that binge drinking is not just inoffensive social fun, but if carried on, may contribute to the onset of cerebral disturbances possibly leading to alcohol dependence later in life.