A small study at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that risk-taking tendencies (and sometimes high-risk activities) in teenagers, including the use of drugs or alcohol, may be largely driven by what scientist refer to as a “hypersensitivity” to the brain’s release of dopamine (a powerful, pleasure/ motivator chemical in the reward center of the brain).
Using three age groups: children ages eight to 12, teenagers 14-19, and adults ages 25-30, the researchers had the volunteers perform reward-incentive tasks while a functional magnetic resonance imaging scanner (fMRI) measured the blood flow in their brains. The tests revealed that the striatal area of the brain, which is sensitive to dopamine, lit up more strongly among the teenagers than the adults or children when receiving a reward.
A lead researcher further explained that the study shows “that when adolescents get a reward that they’re not expecting, their brains are more responsive to that reward.”
This understanding of the adolescent brain is particularly important when understanding how susceptible they may be to drug or alcohol abuse and addiction that directly targets the reward center of the brain. Such knowledge reiterates the need for delaying the use of drugs or alcohol among teens, as well as possible age-specific prevention tactics, early intervention, and rehabilitation.
According to LoveToKnow.com, here are some warning signs of possible alcohol abuse:
- Daily or frequent use of alcohol. “I need a drink to calm me down“ or “There’s nothing like two stiff drinks after a hard day at the office.”
- Solitary drinking. If an individual displays a distinct preference for solitary drinking, especially on a daily or frequent basis, there may be cause for concern.
- Making excuses to drink. If you find someone simply waiting for an excuse to drink, however trivial or frivolous it may seem to others, it is time to start the alarm bells ringing.
- Secretive behavior. Telling lies about their whereabouts, spending large amounts of time away from family, covering up on the amount of drinking–all of these are warning signs.
- Hostility when directly questioned. Substance abusers are often hostile or aggressive when confronted about their drinking.
- Work-related difficulties. Underperforming relative to ones abilities, not getting the job done, problems with professional relationships, not delivering, unexplained absences, and tardiness are often present with alcohol abuse.
- Financial negligence and/or distress.
- Arrest, DUI or other trouble with the law. DUIs, near misses, and accidents are common with alcohol abuse. Fights and other forms of violence are also warning signs.
- Blackouts. Not remembering what happened while drinking is a sign that there is a problem.
