Adolescent Brain
Teenage Brain Development and Vulnerability to Drug Use

ADOLESCENT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
Description: ADOLESCENT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
Image copyright: http://www.mentorfoundation.org/uploads/Adolescent_Brain_Slides.pps#278,1,Slide 1
There is new research about adolescent brain development and the effects of alcohol and other drug use on the developing brain. and how they make critical and life influencing decisions, including their decisions about drug use. Brain imaging studies show that the brain continues to develop through adolescence and into young adulthood (age 25 years). During adolescence, the parts of the brain that are responsible for expressing emotions and for seeking gratification to mature sooner than the parts of the brain that control impulses and decision making. As one expert puts it the teenage brain"has a well-developed accelerator but only a partly developed brake."

The maturing brain of the adolescent may also pose a particular risk toward drug abuse. One study showed that memory ability may be negatively affected by about 10% as a result of alcohol abuse.

Key points
-The brain continves to develop until about age 25.
-The brain's control of emotions matures before the
control of risk taking.
-The adolescent brain shows a risk toward drug abuse.
Links:
   Bullet  Mentor Foundation
   Bullet  Adolescent Brain
This page was edited by codi tenney (Teacher: Peggy Wise) using Web Poster Wizard.