Running Head: SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Effects of Substance Use on Adolescent Development

MaLinda DiTonno
Liberty University

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Abstract

During adolescence, cognition and the brain undergo parallel development. Substance
abuse has led to impairments in adults but less is known of its effects on adolescent cognition. To
be addressed is the neuropsychological performance of adolescents that are involved in substance
use such as alcohol use and marijuana. Effects of substance use are analyzed on
neuropsychological composites that include verbal reasoning, executive function, attention,
visual spatial ability, memory and processing speed. It will document human brain development
during adolescence, aggressive behaviors among adolescents, and prevention and intervention
efforts for substance abuse and building positive behavior for the future generation. The period
of adolescence has brain maturation changes that correspond with behavioral, cognitive and
emotional changes. These adolescent changes get hypothesized leading to adolescents increased
substance abuse. Substance abuse has cognitive defects and harmful implications on social,
academic and occupational functioning. Therefore neurocognitive sequences as a result of
substance abuse are important to elucidate.
Keywords: adolescent, substance abuse, development, cognitive development, behavior

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