When substances such as nicotine, THC, alcohol or opioids are consumed, not only can they have negative implications on the overall health of a person, but they also interfere with this crucial time of brain development.
These substances can harm the nervous system (i.e., they are “neurotoxic”), potentially leading to psychiatric disorders. Open discussions about these risks can empower young people to make healthier choices and protect their well-being.
Common problems associated with substance use interfering with healthy brain development
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Behavioral Changes & Challenges
- Learning and behavioral challenges: Substance use during adolescence can disrupt brain development, particularly in regions responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and self-regulation. This may result in long-term intellectual and behavioral difficulties.
- Emotional and behavioral changes: Substance use can negatively impact mood and emotional regulation, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and mood swings. These emotional disturbances can strain social relationships and overall well-being.
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Memory & Learning Barriers
- Memory and cognitive impairments: Substance use can damage memory, attention span, and learning, which are essential for academic performance and daily functioning.
- Executive function impairments: Substance use can disrupt executive functions like planning, self-control, and staying focused, making it harder to manage daily tasks and meet goals, both academically and in life.
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Mental Health Risks
- Mental health risks: Adolescents who use substances are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even psychosis. Substance use can change brain chemistry, worsening existing conditions or triggering new mental health challenges.
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Addiction Risk
- Increased risk of other substance use: Adolescents who use one substance are more likely to experiment with others, compounding the negative effects on brain development and overall health.
- Addiction potential: Early exposure to substances significantly increases the risk of developing substance use disorders later in life. The adolescent brain is especially vulnerable to the addictive properties of drugs and alcohol, leading to patterns of problematic use.
Nicotine is most often consumed through cigarettes and e-cigarettes, also referred to as vaping. While vaping is often perceived as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, this is misleading. E-cigarettes can deliver higher doses of nicotine than regular cigarettes, posing significant risks to developing brains.
E-cigarettes often contain other harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde and various flavoring agents. These products are not regulated, meaning users may not know what they are putting into their bodies and how these unknown substances may negatively impact brain development and overall health.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive component of cannabis. Marijuana refers to the parts of or products from the cannabis plant that contain high amounts of THC.
Chronic THC use during adolescence can lead to structural changes in the brain that make it more difficult to remember things and change connectivity between the regions of the brain. This can impact cognitive abilities and emotional well-being.
THC use can make it more difficult to feel motivated or work towards goals, sometimes referred to as "amotivational syndrome." This can result in decreased academic performance and reduced social engagement.
Research shows heavy drinking during adolescence can lead to structural changes in the brain. For example, areas like the hippocampus (critical for memory) and the prefrontal cortex (which is in charge of' decision-making) may shrink, potentially leading to long-term cognitive and emotional challenges.
Chronic alcohol use can also lead to declines in school performance and damage relationships. Adolescents who engage in heavy drinking often face challenges in academic settings and in their interactions with peers.
Opioids can have serious and long-lasting effects on adolescent brain development due to their impact on both brain structure and function, especially the regions involved in decision-making, impulse control and reward processing.
Opioids affect the brain's reward system by increasing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Regular use can alter the brain's natural reward processing, leading to reduced motivation and increasing the risk of compulsively seeking more drugs. Long-term opioid use can have neurotoxic effects, potentially causing changes in brain structure and function. This can include alterations in brain connectivity and reductions in gray matter volume, which are associated with impaired cognitive and emotional functioning.
Opioid use can lead to disengagement from academic and social activities. Adolescents may experience declines in school performance, problems with relationships, and difficulties with daily responsibilities.