No, I don't believe you are necessarily brain damaged for life. I think it would depend on how immersed in these activities you become and how long you continue doing them. Starting earlier can have added detrimental effects over starting said activities later, but just experimenting like many do might not spell imminent disaster for one's life. I'm just fearful of what might be on the table now to try at 12 if this is the kind of road that's being traveled. I remember 12 very well! 'Nuff said!
