123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Health >> View Article

Effects Of Drug And Alcohol Abuse On The Adolescent Brain

Profile Picture
By Author: Robin Leonardo
Total Articles: 499
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

Adolescents' brain is immature. In adolescence, the brain is still developing, and as a result, it responds differently to the effects of drug and alcohol as opposed to adult brain.

Most teens are exposed to substance abuse like cigarettes/nicotine, alcohol, marijuana and other drugs (prescription medications, opioids, stimulants). Abusing these drugs will not only affect the developing brain, it may also interfere with normal brain functioning during adulthood. There are, however, several factors that can cause damage to the adolescent brain, including:

Damage to pre-frontal cortex: cognitive impairment
The pre-frontal cortex is involved in judgment, planning and decision making. It is located in the frontal lobes of the brain. Abusing alcohol and drugs damages pre-frontal cortex which can further lead to impairments in judgment, loss of motivation, impulsive behavior and inability to plan.

Damage to cerebellum: loss of co-ordination
The cerebellum is a part of the brain responsible for coordination, precision and accurate timing. It plays a major role in motor coordination. ...
... The cerebellum is located at the rear end of the brain, above the brain stem and below the cerebral cortex.

Drug and alcohol abuse in teens results in damage to cerebellum that leads to loss of coordination of motor movement, inability to judge distance, inability to perform rapid alternating movements, weak muscles, slurred speech and abnormal eye movements.

Reduction in the size of the hippocampus: damage to memory
The hippocampus is part of the brain that is involved in forming, organizing, and storing memories. It also plays a major role in formation of new memories.

Both alcohol and illicit drugs reduce the size of the hippocampus in adolescent brain. They can change chemicals in the brain that affect memory, which in turn could be a sign of impaired hippocampal function. The reduction in the size of hippocampus is more severe in teens who start using drugs and alcohol early and often.

Neurotransmitters: abnormal transmission of information
Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that transmit information through the nervous system and brain, that lead to feelings of pleasure, satisfaction or other emotions. Interference by alcohol and drugs to neurotransmitter's function, could lead to changes in moods, feelings, perception and behavior, as there are abnormal messages being transmitted through the brain's network.

Early detection and timely remedial measures are important to prevent long term damage to the adolescence brain. Therefore, knowing the damaging effects of drugs and alcohol on adolescence brain, it is sensible to stay away from them and better not to try them.

Drugteststrips.com is an online store offering reliable, accurate, easy to use and FDA approved drug test kits at affordable prices. Our multi panel drug test kits can be used to detect multiple drugs without the use of an additional instrument and without the need of having to use test kits multiple times. To learn more, visit - http://www.drugteststrips.com

Total Views: 322Word Count: 468See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Health Articles

1. Glucotrust Review: A Comprehensive Look At This Supplement For Blood Sugar Support
Author: rehan

2. Best Dentist In Vasant Kunj: A Comprehensive Guide To Dental Care At Dental Arche
Author: Dental Arche

3. The Top Benefits Of Using Shockwave Therapy For Horses
Author: America Cryo

4. How Mobile Iv Therapy Works: A Guide To At-home Wellness
Author: Ge'O-Vanna Smith

5. Leading Piles Treatment And Surgical Care At Top Rated Surgical Care Centers In Hyderabad
Author: Surgeon for U

6. Comprehensive Fertility Solutions At Leading Icsi And Embryo Freezing Hospital In Hyderabad
Author: Juhi Fertility

7. The Importance Of Blood Tests: Your Guide To Better Health
Author: Stan Jan

8. Le Pouvoir Apaisant Du Cbd : Peut-il Améliorer Votre Santé ?
Author: Leo Wilson

9. Experience The Best Diagnostic Center In Hyderabad For Comprehensive Health Checkups
Author: Matrix Diagnostics

10. Touchless Foam Hand Sanitizer
Author: George Hinkle

11. Multiple Benefits Of Visiting A Weight Loss Clinic
Author: Alexis Pelloe

12. Massage Can Help Improve Your Emotional Well-being - Let’s Find Out More!
Author: Emma Brain

13. Best Pediatric Hemodialysis Services In Hyderabad And Their Benefits
Author: Apollo Dialysis

14. Magnolia Gardens Senior Care
Author: Julie Droncioiu

15. Intrauterine Insemination (iui) Treatment Procedure And Cost In Bangalore
Author: Apollo Fertility

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: