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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 7, 2026

Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development
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Cannabis and alcohol use, and the developing brain.

A D Meruelo1, N Castro1, C I Cota1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego,9500 Gilman Drive, CA La Jolla 92093, USA.

Behavioural Brain Research
|February 23, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Adolescent brain development is impacted by alcohol and cannabis, affecting white and grey matter. Some effects resolve with abstinence, but attentional deficits may persist, informing interventions.

Keywords:
AdolescenceAlcoholBlood oxygen dependent level (BOLD)CannabisDeveloping brainNeuroimagingNeuropsychological studiesPositron emission tomography (PET)

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Related Experiment Videos

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Addiction Research

Background:

  • Adolescence involves significant brain changes, including myelination and sexual dimorphism in grey and white matter.
  • This developmental period presents a critical window for vulnerability to substance use, particularly alcohol and cannabis.
  • Neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies are crucial for understanding substance effects on the developing brain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review major differences in adolescent brain development between substance users and non-users.
  • To examine recent findings on the influence of cannabis and alcohol on the adolescent brain.
  • To discuss the neural sequelae of early alcohol and cannabis use.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing neuropsychological studies.
  • Analysis of neuroimaging findings examining neuroanatomy, metabolism, neurotransmitter activity, and neuronal activation.
  • Examination of studies on adolescent brain development and substance use.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences exist in brain development between adolescent alcohol/cannabis users and non-users.
  • Neuroimaging reveals alterations in grey and white matter structures and functions.
  • Some observed changes may resolve with short-term abstinence, while attentional deficits can persist.

Conclusions:

  • Early alcohol and cannabis use can have lasting impacts on adolescent brain development.
  • Understanding these neural sequelae is vital for developing targeted educational interventions.
  • Findings can inform the public about the consequences of adolescent substance exposure.