Artificial Sweeteners (ex Crystal Lite)

So I have heard conflicting reports from school, friends, and family. I have been drinking artificial sweeteners for a while now. Oddly enough, I do not like the taste of regular water. I love to have some kind of taste. I have learned recently in my health class that there are chances that it can cause permanent brain damage. At home and with my friends they seem like they don't have a problem with it. I'm not sure if I should continue drinking it or not. Maybe not as often.