Alcohol and Cannabis Use and the Developing Brain

This research explores how alcohol and cannabis use during adolescence, a critical period for brain development, impacts brain structure, function, and cognition. It highlights that heavy alcohol use can decrease gray matter, impair white matter integrity, and disrupt cognitive functions like memory and impulse control. Heavy cannabis use is linked to changes in brain structure and reduced executive functioning. Co-use shows pronounced effects, primarily driven by alcohol. These findings emphasize the vulnerability of the developing brain to substance use.

Adolescents should avoid or limit alcohol and cannabis use to protect their developing brains. The research underscores that even moderate use can affect brain health and cognitive abilities. Interventions targeting sensation-seeking and impulse control could mitigate risks. Given the robust longitudinal evidence, these recommendations are broadly applicable but depend on individual contexts.