The chances of developing an addiction are four times higher for people who begin using substances before age 15 than for those who delay use until age 21 or older.

DELAYING SUBSTANCE USE

Research shows that drug abuse usually begins in adolescence. That’s because parts of the brain that control judgment, self-control, and future planning do not fully mature until young adulthood. As a result, an adolescent’s brain is wired for risk-taking and novelty-seeking behaviors.

Alcohol, in particular, short-circuits the brain’s reward system and puts youth at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Unlike adults who might start feeling tired after a few drinks, the adolescent brain is less reactive to alcohol’s short-term effects. Young people can drink far more than adults before the sedation effect occurs, which is why underage drinking can quickly become more problematic. Adolescents who drink are also at a higher risk for experimenting with illicit and prescription drugs.

IMPACTS OF SUBSTANCE USE

In Episode 1- "The Hijacker," learn about how substance use disorders (SUDs) affect tissue function in two main parts of the brain: the limbic system (responsible for basic survival instincts) and the prefrontal cortex (where decision-making and impulse control live). Substance use activates the dopamine process in the survival center much more powerfully than natural rewards like food or sex.

Not everyone who uses alcohol or drugs develops a substance use disorder (SUD)-why is that? People have different risk factors that make them more vulnerable to developing SUDs. These can be environmental-such as poverty or exposure to trauma-or individual-such as genetics or the age of first use.

Like other chronic illnesses, substance use disorders (SUDs) get worse over time. As SUD progresses, mental and physical health problems tend to get worse and overall quality of life goes down. Most importantly, the risk of death increases as the disorder progresses, which is why starting treatment as soon as possible is key.

The concept of "rock bottom" can help people describe their experience of recovery from addiction by turning it into a narrative with a clear event that helped turn their life around. But the idea that we should wait for the disease to get worse before seeking treatment is dangerous.

Helpful Resources

The following are organizations, agencies, and movements dedicated to preventing substance abuse and addiction across North Dakota and beyond.

An evidence-based prevention program that provides parents and caregivers with a wide variety of tools and resources to support them in creating a safe environment for their children that promotes behavioral health.

A coalition of caring parents, organizations, and youth dedicated to reducing youth substance use in the community by improving kids’ social capital.

Working to improve access to services, address workforce needs, develop policies and ensure quality services are available for those with behavioral health needs in North Dakota.

A leading source of behavioral health promotion and substance abuse prevention efforts, information, and resources in North Dakota.