Substance Use & The Brain
Because of ongoing neurodevelopment, the teen brain is uniquely vulnerable to substance use.
Alcohol and other drugs act as “imposters” in the brain, mimicking natural neurotransmitters, and can hijack the natural reward pathway by causing the release of dopamine.
The amount of dopamine that is released with alcohol and other drugs is so intense that, when used repeatedly, the brain must turn down the signal by reducing the amount of dopamine receptors.
With fewer dopamine receptors, everyday activities become less enjoyable. Alcohol and other drugs can become the only way to feel good. This is addiction.
The teen brain is more susceptible to the effects of alcohol and other drugs. 9 out of 10 people who develop addiction, began using alcohol, nicotine, or marijuana before the age of 18.
Using alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, or other drugs during the teen years interferes with the natural brain development processes--- substances “trick the brain” into thinking that connections associated with using alcohol or other drugs are important and should be maintained. This is why people who start using alcohol or other drugs during the teen years are more likely to become addicted than adults.
Even if you don’t get addicted, alcohol and other drugs may disrupt the synaptic pruning process, making it harder for your brain to strengthen the synapses it needs to learn new things and develop new skills that help you become who you want to be.
Use of alcohol and/or other drugs by teens is associated with many other health and safety risks.11,12