New study reveals brain structures of adolescents.

A study examined the link between brain structure in late childhood and early substance use. Researchers analyzed brain scans and substance use data from the ABCD study, following thousands of children. Results indicated that children who later initiated substance use before age 15 exhibited larger overall brain volumes and a thinner prefrontal cortex compared to non-users. These pre-existing brain differences suggest a potential predisposition to early substance use. The study highlights the complex relationship between brain development, environmental factors, and the vulnerability to substance use disorders.https://www.psypost.org/neuroscience-brain-differences-in-childhood-predict-substance-use-in-later-life-study-finds/