Which is true about alcohol use and risk-taking behaviors?

The statement that alcohol use increases risk-taking behaviors is grounded in substantial psychological and physiological research. When individuals consume alcohol, it can impair their judgment and lower their inhibitions. This often leads to a greater willingness to engage in risky activities, such as driving under the influence, engaging in unprotected sex, or participating in aggressive behavior.

The effects of alcohol on the brain, particularly the areas responsible for decision making and impulse control, contribute to this heightened propensity for risk-taking. Additionally, social factors may also play a role; people who drink may feel more socially empowered or emboldened, which can result in more daring choices.

Given this understanding, it's clear why the other options do not hold true. The idea that alcohol decreases or has no effect on risk-taking behaviors ignores the overwhelming evidence of alcohol’s impact on cognitive functions and behavior. Similarly, suggesting that alcohol only affects minors fails to recognize that individuals of all ages can experience these effects.