The Addicted Brain

Why do addicts continue using despite all of the negative consequences? Drug use changes the chemistry of the brain and suppresses emotional and social development, resulting in a number of addictive behaviors that are puzzling (and hurtful) to family and friends. Learn more about the causes of addiction and how treatment at a reputable drug rehab can help addicts develop new, healthy coping skills to enjoy with life without drugs or alcohol. Read more about The Addicted Brain

Labels: addiction, development, brain chemistry

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

Attention Deficits Persist After Marijuana Use Ends

A small study funded by the National Institute of Health found that teenagers who stopped using marijuana will regain some cognitive deficits; however, their attention deficits will persist.

The researchers recruited 19 marijuana user and 21 teenagers in the same age group (15 to 19 years old) from similar backgrounds who did not use marijuana. Every participant completed tests three days, two weeks, and three weeks after the users stopped smoking marijuana.

Teen marijuana users
had lower scores on tests of verbal learning and verbal memory, as well as attention deficits. After abstaining from marijuana for a few weeks, they improved in verbal learning and verbal memory and not in attention deficits.

The study appeared in the journal Addictive Behaviors.
 

Labels: marijuana, teen drug abuse, brain chemistry

Posted By: CRC Health Group 0 Comments