The brain is constantly developing up to the age of 25, and the teenage years have proved to be some of the most important ones. Of course the brain is altered by learning–experiencing life’s negative and positive events–but it can also be changed by substances such as hallucinogens, depressants, and stimulants. Using any of these during the developmental stages in life rapidly exposes you to addiction.  

Stimulants, for example, are the most easily accessed drug and likely what teenagers already have been introduced to. Using stimulants in the teen years  can throw off mood patterns, resulting in energy crashes and extreme lows. Caffeine and nicotine are the prime low-risk drugs, while heavier stimulants are cocaine and ecstasy. The use of stimulants depletes the neurotransmitters of necessary “happy chemicals” such as dopamine and serotonin.

Alcohol, for example, is a depressant that, when introduced to the brain, lights the dopamine chemical like a match, telling your body that this is a good feeling. But like a match, that flame will burn out and your body will slowly yearn for that feeling again. Of course this could just be a one-time experiment, but continued drinking can lead to shrinkage of the brain. Women are especially vulnerable to alcohol use disorders due to their relative lack of stomach enzymes to break down the alcohol. Other depressants include barbiturates and opiates. 

While hallucinogens are arguably the least harmful substance to the brain, a person using a hallucinogen such as marijuana may experience emotional difficulty such as hypersensitivity, or may lack a  sense of reality. Unlike other drugs, hallucinogens are not known to be addictive, but building a tolerance is still possible and always dangerous.

While those genetically exposed to substance abuse are more likely to become involved with drugs later in life, it doesn’t completely rule their decisions. “Nature vs Nurture” takes a huge place in this. According to the Columbia University’s Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, 90% of people fighting addiction started using before the age of 18. Before going out and agreeing to try something with your friends, think about your future and how that statistic could affect you.