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Adolescent cortical thickness pre- and post marijuana and alcohol initiation
Joanna Jacobus1, Norma Castro2, Lindsay M Squeglia3
1Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA; University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, USA.
Neurotoxicology and Teratology
|October 1, 2016
Summary
Adolescent brain development shows pre-existing differences, not solely substance-related. Early neural variations may influence alcohol and marijuana initiation and impact cortical thickness trajectories.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Cortical thickness abnormalities are noted in adolescents using alcohol and marijuana.
- Limited longitudinal data exists on pre-existing versus substance-induced brain changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate longitudinal changes in cortical thickness from pre- to post-substance use initiation in adolescents.
- To differentiate pre-existing neural differences from substance-related effects on brain structure.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 69 adolescents from age 13 to 19.
- Subgroup analysis: alcohol initiation (ALC), alcohol and marijuana initiation (ALC+MJ), and controls (CON).
- Neuroimaging, neurocognitive testing, and substance use interviews were conducted.
Main Results:
- Significant group-by-time interactions observed in 18 cortical regions.
- Non-initiators and alcohol-only users showed greater cortical thinning post-initiation.
- Pre-initiation differences noted, with ALC and CON groups having greater cortical thickness than ALC+MJ.
Conclusions:
- Pre-existing neural differences may predispose individuals to substance use initiation.
- Marijuana use might disrupt typical cortical thinning, leading to observed differences in young adulthood.
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