Casey Grover, MD, FACEP
Casey Grover, MD, FACEP, FASAM
Why the Teenage Brain is Wired for Addiction
Why the Teenage Brain is Wired for Addiction
Why the Teenage Brain is Wired for Addiction
Monday 24th February 2025
Discover why teenagers are vulnerable to addiction and learn effective prevention strategies from Dr. Casey Grover.
13 minutes
Informative
Supportive
Hopeful
Educational
Non-judgmental
About this podcast
Author:
Casey Grover, MD, FACEP
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Why Teens Are Prone to Addiction: Brain Science and Prevention
Episode Overview
- Teen brains develop until age 26, making them more susceptible to addiction.
- Early substance use significantly increases the risk of developing addiction.
- Dopamine plays a crucial role in pleasure-seeking behaviour and addiction.
- Iceland's prevention strategies have successfully reduced teen substance use.
- Parental involvement and organised activities are key to preventing addiction.
If you often wonder why your teen or young adult is impulsive and you don't quite understand why they make decisions, that's why.
Dr. Casey Grover takes you on an eye-opening journey into the teenage brain in this episode of Addiction Medicine Made Easy. The focus is on understanding why teenagers are particularly susceptible to addiction and how early substance use can have long-lasting impacts. Dr. Grover explains that the brain continues to develop until around age 26, with the prefrontal cortex - responsible for decision-making - being the last part to mature.
This biological factor makes teenagers more impulsive and less capable of making sound decisions, especially when it comes to drugs and alcohol. He shares that starting substance use before age 13 dramatically increases the risk of developing an addiction later in life. The episode also highlights the critical role of dopamine, a brain chemical that drives pleasure-seeking behaviour, and how drugs hijack this system, making substances feel more rewarding than natural activities. Dr.
Grover discusses how Iceland successfully reduced teen substance use by understanding individual personalities and providing healthy, engaging activities tailored to each child's needs. By prioritising time with parents and implementing a national curfew, Iceland saw dramatic decreases in teen alcohol, cannabis, and cigarette use. The episode wraps up with practical advice for parents and educators on supporting teens through organised activities and positive engagement, helping them navigate these crucial years without turning to substances.
Don't miss this informative episode that combines science, real-life stories, and actionable strategies to protect the next generation.