The teenage years are vital to healthy cognitive function as an adult, so it is important to maintain a strict level of healthy behaviour during these years. Drug abuse can impact the brain’s ability to function in the short-term as well as prevent proper growth and development for later in life.

 

 Substance abuse affects teen brain development by:

  Interfering with neurotransmitters and damaging       connections within the brain

  Reducing the ability to experience pleasure

  Creating problems with memory

   Ingraining expectations of unhealthy habits into brain circuitry

   Inhibiting development of perceptual abilities

Social and Professional Risks of Teen Substance Abuse

In addition to the physical risks of teen drinking and drug abuse, there are many other consequences that could haunt teens well into adulthood. Because substance abuse can muddy reasoning and encourage rash decisions, there are many side effects of substance abuse that go far beyond the biological and physiological aspects. Some of these include:

Criminal records that cannot be expunged

Car accidents 
Assaults
Sexually transmitted diseases
Unplanned pregnancies

Wasted academic opportunities
 Late start in chosen career path

 Damaged relationships with friends and family