Synaptogenesis is the development of synapses between neurons. This occurs throughout a person's lifetime, but there are significant surges during early infancy and puberty.
A study that used Magnetic Resonance Imaging to scan the brain showed a surge of activity in grey matter volume and development before the onset of puberty. This is similar to what could be observed in an infant's brain as it becomes more active. It is only after that initial movement has passed, at around the age of 25, that an individual's personal development reaches its peak for their society's norm. Adolescence is thus characterized by cognitive changes that encompass both personal and physical developments during puberty until just after adulthood is reached.
Neurotransmitters are the chemicals responsible for relaying signals from one neuron to another. Dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin are three neurotransmitters that help shape mood, behavior, and many other aspects of human life. The brain's plasticity during adolescence allows for better cognitive function as well as positive and negative emotional expressions. With appropriate interventions such as the best rehab centers in India, these behavioral changes can result in developing lifelong interests and talents as well as becoming more adaptable over time!
Drug Use during Brain Development
Research shows that adolescents are more likely to take risks than children and adults. This is because their brains are still developing and they haven't fully developed the ability to assess risks. Studies on drug use show that teenagers are significantly more likely to experiment with drugs than younger kids or grownups. Even though there are a lot of dangers associated with teen drug use, young people need to know that consuming drugs won't "scare" them straight. In fact, it could lead to addiction later on down the road.
New research suggests that people who begin using drugs at an early age are more likely to develop a drug problem. Addiction takes hold when people start abusing drugs and other negative influences, like trauma or chronic stress, started occurring when their brains were still developing during those formative years.
When a person uses drugs, the chemicals in the substances enter their bloodstream and reach the brain. However, if a drug is overused, the brain's chemistry can change quickly and negatively. This may make it difficult for the brain to release certain chemicals, such as dopamine. With continued drug use, a person may be unable to feel happy without their drug of choice. The severity of the addiction determines how long it takes for a person's brain to return to its normal state and it needs to be treated at the best de-addiction centers in India.
Alcohol Abuse during Brain Development
The teenage years are a crucial time for personal growth and development. It's a time when children learn more about themselves and become more independent. They also start to care more about what other people think of them and may make some poor decisions that could have long-term consequences if they're not careful. Some young people mistakenly think that it's OK to drink heavily, but this can lead to serious problems down the road such as addiction which requires top de-addiction centers in India to work on the same.
Young people drink more and faster than older people. Most of the alcohol consumed by youth is done so in binges and typically by consuming a large amount of alcohol over a short span of time. Young people binge whenever they drink heavily. Since, most teen drinking tends to be in inappropriate settings interspersed with equally inappropriate behavior, this type of drinking should never be considered normal for most young people because it can come with serious consequences, many of which are not short-term in nature.
Adolescents are at risk of suffering cognitive ramifications due to heavy drinking. Adolescent alcohol use is linked to disruptions in brain structure, quality, and function as well as inhibitory control, response inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. [1] The developing adolescent brain may be especially vulnerable to alcohol's neurotoxic effects which could aid in explaining the inability of some adolescents to cease or moderate their alcohol use. Research also suggests that heavy alcohol use can reduce the hippocampus – a region involved in the formation and retrieval of memories.
In a study examining alcohol, marijuana, and stimulant use among youth, The Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology found that those who drink lightly improve their cognitive skills, while those who drink heavily see a decrease in performance, primarily when it comes to spatial functioning. [2] Another study demonstrated that male adolescents who consumed alcohol had decreased prefrontal cortexes [3], but the difference was especially pronounced in adolescent females. According to a study published by The Journal of Clinical Investigation in 2010, animal studies have shown long-lasting changes in brain activity after administering ethanol vapors to rats during adolescence. [4]
Many adolescents often come across health risks that may lead to serious physical problems and negative effects on their brain development. With the freedom to make their own choices, young people need help from professional addiction treatment in India which can evaluate the serious effect of drugs and alcohol in every case. A professional diagnosis that examines any underlying mental health disorders along with the pattern of substance abuse is crucial for formulating the most effective treatment option for each individual. Seeking help at an early stage can save lives and prevent future substance abuse problems in teenagers when they are so susceptible to drinking or taking drugs, it could help them avoid these things later in life.
REFERENCES-
AUTHOR- Dr. Danish Hussain (MBBS, MD Psychiatry, MIPS)
Dr. Danish received his M.D. Psychiatry and M.B.B.S. degrees from Rajiv Gandhi University of Medical Sciences (Bangalore, Karnataka). He has worked at the Manipal Multispecialty Hospitals Bangalore, following which has continued to undergo regular training from prestigious institutes from all over the world. Dr. Danish serves as Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at AFSMS & RC and is a member of the Indian Psychiatric Society. Dr. Danish uses a holistic approach with his patients and brings his expertise to practice to treat varied behavioral health problems from Addiction disorders to Depression, Anxiety, Personality disorders, and OCD. Dr. Danish’s goal is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.
REVIEWED BY- Gauri Kapoor (Addiction Recovery Counselor)
Gauri Kapoor embarked on her journey into sobriety 7 years ago, which led her to her current career path as a Certified Professional Addiction Recovery Coach in Delhi, India. She works closely with facilities that provide residential addiction treatment such as 12-Step programs and other nonprofits to help individuals deal with their addiction.