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Impact of substances on the adolescent brain

##article.authors##

  • Saba Brockhagen Student

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.2439

Keywords:

Adolescent substance use, alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, brain structure, brain function

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical period of brain development, wherein the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus undergo significant maturation. Exposure to substances, such as alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine during this time can disrupt these maturation processes. This literature review examines the impact of substance use on functions such as memory and decision making as well as brain structure. These findings emphasize the necessity for early intervention and prevention of substance use in adolescents in order to mitigate any long term consequences.

References

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Guerri, Consuelo, and Maria Pascual. "Mechanisms involved in the neurotoxic, cognitive, and neurobehavioral effects of alcohol consumption during adolescence." Alcohol 44.1 (2010): 15-26.

Hamidullah, S., et al. (2022). The effects of heavy alcohol use on hippocampal volume and memory in adolescents. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 892731.

Lisdahl, Krista M., et al. "Dare to delay? The impacts of adolescent alcohol and marijuana use onset on cognition, brain structure, and function." Frontiers in psychiatry 4 (2013): 53.

Gruber, Staci A., and Kelly A. Sagar. "Marijuana on the mind? The impact of marijuana on cognition, brain structure, and brain function, and related public policy implications." Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences 4.1 (2017): 104-111.

Meier, M. H., et al. "Persistent Cannabis Users Show Neuropsychological Decline from Childhood to Midlife." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 109, no. 40, 2012, pp. E2657–E2664

Albaugh, Matthew D., et al. "Association of cannabis use during adolescence with neurodevelopment." JAMA psychiatry 78.9 (2021): 1031-1040.

Dwyer, J. B., et al. (2009). Nicotine exposure and adolescent brain development. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, 93(3), 291-295.

McGill, M. L., et al. (2014). Nicotine exposure and its effects on adolescent brain structure and function. Addiction, 109(2), 306-316.

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2025-04-10

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Copyright (c) 2025 Saba Brockhagen

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