Study Links Brain Structure Differences to Early Substance Use in Adolescents

Research suggests structural brain variations may predispose teens to substance use, influenced by genetics and environment.

A study of nearly 10,000 U.S. adolescents found distinct brain structure differences in those who initiated substance use before age 15 compared to their peers.
Many of these structural differences, such as thinner prefrontal cortexes and larger brain volumes, were present before substance use, indicating potential predispositional factors.
The research, using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, identified both global and regional brain variations, with 56% of regional differences tied to cortical thickness.
Substance-specific brain changes were observed, with alcohol being the most commonly initiated substance, often overlapping with nicotine and cannabis use.
Researchers emphasize that brain structure alone cannot predict substance use, highlighting the interplay of genetics, environment, and brain development in addressing addiction risks.