What You'll Learn
- 1Explain how addictive substances affect dopamine and the brain's reward circuit
- 2Understand why adolescent brains are more vulnerable to addiction
- 3Identify how the prefrontal cortex's development affects addiction risk
The Explanation
When you do something pleasurable, your brain releases dopamine. Addictive drugs flood your brain with 10 times more dopamine than natural rewards, teaching your brain that the drug is the most important thing in the world.
Your adolescent reward system is hyperactive while your prefrontal cortex is still under construction. Research shows that adolescent brains release dopamine more readily than adult brains and are far more plastic in response to drugs. This means your brain can physically rewire itself to want the drug more intensely.
Addiction is a brain disease. Over time, your brain compensates for the dopamine flood by reducing sensitivity—a process called tolerance. The good news? Your neuroplasticity also means you can build strong protective pathways by making healthy choices now.
Key Terms
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter signal for importance; drugs cause abnormally high surges
Tolerance
The brain's adaptation to chronic drug exposure, requiring larger doses for the same effect
Ventral Striatum
The brain's reward center, highly active and plastic during adolescence
Real-Life Example
Understanding that addiction is a brain disease (not a character flaw) is crucial. Building coping skills now provides powerful protection.
Quick Quiz
1. How much more dopamine do addictive drugs typically cause to flood the reward pathway compared to natural rewards?
Show Answer
Correct Answer: 10 times more
Key Takeaways
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