Nicotine

Nicotine is a highly addictive drug that can have serious consequences for the developing adolescent brain. The brain continues to develop until about age 25, and nicotine exposure during this time can disrupt the formation of brain circuits that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.

Here are some of the short-term effects of nicotine on the teen brain:

Increased dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in reward and pleasure. When nicotine is used, it increases dopamine levels in the brain, which can lead to a feeling of euphoria. This can make nicotine very reinforcing, and can lead to addiction.

Reduced attention and learning. Nicotine can interfere with the brain's ability to pay attention and learn new information. This is because nicotine can disrupt the activity of neurons in the prefrontal cortex, which is a region of the brain that is important for these functions.

Increased anxiety and irritability. Nicotine can also increase anxiety and irritability in some people. This is because nicotine can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can lead to these mood changes.

Impaired impulse control. Nicotine can impair the brain's ability to control impulses. This can make it more difficult for teens to resist the urge to smoke, even if they know it is harmful.

In addition to these short-term effects, nicotine exposure during adolescence can also have long-term consequences for the brain. Some of these long-term effects include:

Increased risk of addiction. Teens who smoke are more likely to become addicted to nicotine than adults who start smoking later in life. This is because the adolescent brain is more sensitive to the effects of nicotine, and is more likely to form strong associations between nicotine use and rewards.

Increased risk of mood disorders. Teens who smoke are more likely to develop mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is because nicotine can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can lead to these mood changes.

Impaired cognitive function. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can impair cognitive function, such as attention, learning, and memory. This is because nicotine can disrupt the development of brain circuits that are important for these functions.

The bottom line is that nicotine is a dangerous drug for teens. It can have serious consequences for the developing brain, and can lead to addiction, mood disorders, and impaired cognitive function. If you are a teen who smokes, or knows a teen who smokes, please talk to them about the risks of nicotine use. There are many resources available to help teens quit smoking, and it is never too late to start.