3b. Your Brain and Substance Use

Now that you know more about healthy brain habits, let’s talk about some habits that can be unhealthy for a growing mind. These habits can come in the form of legal and illegal substances. While you should always completely avoid illegal substances, you may find yourself attracted to the idea of using a legal substance, such as alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana (pot). But just because a substance is legal, doesn’t mean it is healthy for a developing brain!

 

Tap or hover over the cards to a few good reasons to wait to try legal substances.

Brain Damage

Binge drinking accounts for 90% of alcohol consumed before age 21. This type of drinking causes the highest amount of brain damage.

Poor Choices

Due to brain development, your risk-meter is already set low. Drinking alcohol or smoking pot lowers it even further and can lead to bad, or terrible, decision making.

Addiction

The younger you are when you start using alcohol and tobacco, the more likely you are to become addicted.

Lower IQ

Studies show that people who start smoking pot regularly before age 25 show a significant drop in their IQ. They never regain IQ points, even if they stop smoking pot later in life.

Wait for It: Using Legal Substances

Alcohol, tobacco and pot can have a serious and sometimes life-threatening effect on your brain. The legal age for these substances is often based on science and brain development. In fact, if brain scientists had their way, no one would consume these substances before age 25 to give the brain a chance to finish maturing.

 

Watch each video below to learn more about legal substance use.

Think Before You Drink

Remember how the decision-making part of your brain takes a minute catch up? Think about your reasons for waiting to drink now so you don’t have to make a decision on-the-spot later.

 

Peer Pressure

Even if you’ve made up your mind to wait to use legal substances, your friends might pressure you to use with them. Know how to say no, even when your friends want you to say yes. 

 

Smokeless Tobacco

While a lot less teenagers are smoking cigarettes, other forms of tobacco like chewing tobacco and vape pens are being used more and more. Learn the facts about tobacco and your health! 

 
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