Preventing Drug Abuse: The Best Strategy
Why is adolescence a critical time for preventing drug addiction? As noted previously, early use of drugs increases a person’s chances of developing addiction. Remember, drugs change brains—and this can lead to addiction and other serious problems. So, preventing early use of drugs or alcohol may go a long way in reducing these risks. If [...]
Rat study reveals long-term effects of adolescent amphetamine abuse on the brain
Psychology professor Joshua Gulley, left, graduate student Shuo Kang and their colleagues found that amphetamine abuse in young rats led to changes in dopamine signaling in the brain that persisted into adulthood. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer The study, reported in the journal Neuroscience, found that amphetamine leads to changes in dopamine signaling. [...]
Teens who smoke pot at risk for later schizophrenia, psychosis
Teenagers and young adults who use marijuana may be messing with their heads in ways they don’t intend. Evidence is mounting that regular marijuana use increases the chance that a teenager will develop psychosis, a pattern of unusual thoughts or perceptions, such as believing the television is transmitting secret messages. It also increases the risk of [...]