The developing brain is uniquely vulnerable to substance use — and for teens, all substance use is connected

The human brain undergoes significant growth and changes, and is only fully developed in the mid-20s. During this period of time, teens tend to take more risks, seek high pleasure activities, and may exhibit poor judgement. These facts make teenagers at heightened risk for substance use.

  • In these MRI images of the developing brain, areas of green, yellow, red, and blue are still undergoing significant development. Only the small areas of purple are fully mature.

  • Substance use in adolescence increases an individual's risk for a variety of adverse health outcomes, including substance use disorder (addiction)

  • The earlier and heavier the substance use, the more likely an individual will develop later problems

 

Image adapted from Gogtay, et al., 2004.

Neuroscientist Frances Jensen, MD discusses how the biology of the teen brain presents a double-edged sword: teens are hard wired to learn but are more vulnerable to addiction.

 
“There’s no problem so bad that alcohol and other drugs can’t make it worse.”
— Robert L. DuPont, MD, President, Institute for Behavior and Health; First Director of NIDA

Substance Use Disorder (Addiction) is Now Understood to be a Childhood-Onset Disease

A neuroscientist briefly explains how the teenage brain is primed for addiction:

 

Take a Deeper Dive with Dr. Crystal Collier on the Neuroscience of Risky Behavior & addiction

Understanding Addiction as A disease — Video For Teens

 

How Alcohol and How Marijuana Affects Your Developing Brain - Videos for Younger Kids

youth substance use can adversely impact mental health

1 in 5 youth will experience a mental health challenge in their life; help them learn about their own family history and risk factors

People of all ages put their mental health at risk when they engage in nonmedical substance use. The mental health effects of substance use can be brief or can have life-long effects, even after a person stops using. People living with mental health challenges are at higher risk of initiating substance use AND those who use substances are at increased risk of developing mental health disorders. Substance use can also worsen the symptoms of an existing mental illness.
Shared underlying causes of substance use disorders and mental health disorders include:
  • Some of the mental health problems that often co-occur with substance use disorders include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and personality disorders
  • The most common mental illnesses in teens are generalized anxiety, social phobias and depression

  • Science has shown that high-THC marijuana products can temporarily induce psychiatric symptoms, including those associated with schizophrenia

  • A recent study showed daily use of marijuana, particularly high-potency products (more than 10% THC), increased the likelihood of having a psychotic episode later. Most plant-form marijuana today contains 18-25% THC, while THC concentrates (for vaping and dabbing) are typically 80-95% THC.”

Mental Health Resource Partners

 
 
 


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  • 64% of high school seniors reported no use of any substance in the past month
  • 36% of high school seniors reported no use of any substances in their lifetime


Recognize Important Differences Between Substance Use "Then" and "Now"

  • The addictive and harmful products available have changed dramatically in the last several decades and now include:
    • High potency (90% THC) dabs
    • Alcopops, sweetened alcoholic beverages appealing to kids with up to 12% alcohol by volume
    • Vape pens delivering the nicotine equivalent to a pack of cigarettes, also used to deliver THC and flavorings
    • Pills designed to look like legitimate prescription medications, often cut with fentanyl
  • Access to the ever-growing array of drugs has exploded thanks to online sales and social media connections


Establish clear expectations and consequences

  • While it may not always feel like it, parents and caregivers have a powerful influence on teen behavior: what you say and do matters.
    • Develop clear expectations of no use of any alcohol, cannabis/marijuana, nicotine, or other drugs
    • Model healthy behaviors for your kids
  • Talk about substance use as a health priority -- I care about your health and safety
    • Not using alcohol or other substances before age 21 is analogous to other health standards for youth. Parents/caregivers don't hesitate to set clear expectations about always wearing seat belts or bicycle helmets; why should substance use be different?
  • Make sure your kids know they can count on you if they need to get out of a risky siutation and create a plan together (e.g., have a "code word" they can text you to say they need a ride)
  • Don’t provide alcohol or other drugs to teens

Find Local Connections and Get Help When You Need It

  • Connect with your local community prevention coalitions to learn about youth substance use rates and prevention efforts in your community
  • Substance use puts teens at risk for many negative outcomes; act quickly if you suspect your child is using

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