WHY USING DRUGS IN ADOLESCENCE IS A REALLY BAD IDEA

The brain puts on a growth spurt at puberty, developing from back to front. Last to mature are the frontal lobes, which weigh up the risks and benefits of an action, so you can decide what to do. Meanwhile, the novelty-seeking reward centre (striatum) is racing ahead. With no mental brakes from the frontal lobes, risk-taking – such as drug use – is more likely, as is subsequent addiction. Psychoactive drugs can inflict long-term damage on the structure and functioning of the developing brain.