Drug-using teens show distinct patterns of brain development tied to dopamine regulation

Drug-using teens show distinct patterns of brain development tied to dopamine regulation

A new study published in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience provides initial evidence that differences in brain chemistry during adolescence may help explain why some teens are more likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol—and why others appear to require stronger incentives to maintain cognitive focus. The findings suggest that slower developmental increases in a brain chemistry marker linked to dopamine functioning may be associated with b…