Adolescent Brain Development and Addicti

Adolescent Brain Development and Addiction

Researchers have studied the structure of the

brain at different stages in order to understand

what causes addiction.

Scientists who research addiction agree that the

earlier people use illegal drugs, abuse alcohol, or

abuse prescription drugs, the greater the risk of

addiction.

But, there’s even more of a problem when they consider adolescent brains. Adolescent brains are not fully developed with the mature capabilities necessary to guide risky behaviors. Many teens engage in risky behaviors because their brains are not developed enough with the higher level decision-making skills that allow them to stop.

Scientists used to think that key brain development took place in the first few years of life. Now, research that studied brain structure in children 12—16 years old and in young adults 23—30 years old found important differences in the development of the brain’s frontal cortex.

The frontal cortex is the part of the brain that lets you understand complex information. If you cannot correctly interpret the signals you receive through your senses and your brain, you are not likely to make good judgements or decisions.

Your “Stop/Go” System

Human brains are hard-wired for what scientists

describe as a “Stop/Go” system. A system like

this helps a species survive by having heightened

responses to finding food and seeking shelter.

Some stimuli (anything that produces a reaction)

produce a “Go” signal to the brain in response to

something that is pleasurable to the person. In a

mature brain the responses can be filtered out

and put into a perspective that is more realistic—basically, the brain considers the advantages and disadvantages of the response. For some responses, the mature brain is capable of putting a “Stop” to the response because it is harmful to the person. Image: MRI showing a lateral view of the brain.

Teen brains are still developing. They may react to the “Go” stimulus, but they may not correctly consider the clues that can produce the “Stop” signal. This can lead to risky behaviors and the consequences that can come with them.

Why Is It So Hard To Quit? (and not just for teens)

It is hard to quit using drugs because addiction is a brain disease. Drugs change the way your brain works.

A person on drugs has a harder time making good decisions. They cannot process information correctly and may participate in risky behaviors they would never do if they weren’t drunk or high. Risky behaviors may have permanent negative consequences. Driving while under the influence of alcohol (or other drugs) can result in expensive legal fees and loss of a driver’s license; sexual activity can result in STD (sexually transmitted disease) infections and pregnancy. A tendency to violent behaviors can result in injuries and arrests. Long-term drug abuse can result in drug abuse disorders.

After a person is addicted, the brain resists withdrawal from the drug. The person craves the drug to the point that he/she physically and psychologically “needs” the drug. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and the addict continues to abuse the drug to feel better. The cycle—and consequences—continues.

Image of a human brain sitting on a table.