Substance misuse
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Neuroanatomical Variability and Early Substance Use Initiation: Insights from the ABCD Study
Adolescence is a period of rapid brain development, making it a sensitive window for experiences that may shape long-term outcomes. A new study from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) project examined whether neuroanatomical variability is linked to early initiation of alcohol, nicotine, or cannabis. Drawing on baseline brain images taken before substance use began, the researchers found regionally specific differences in cortical thickness and surface area among early initiators. The findings highlight the complexity of adolescent neurodevelopment and point to the value of large-scale, longitudinal studies in clarifying how brain structure and behaviour unfold together.
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Autumn Webinar programme
Don’t miss the early birds! All events are centred around evidence-based research, and our speakers are some of the leading lights in the field. ACAMH is a charity, and we receive no government funding, nor do we ask for donations.
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Substance use and the adolescent brain
Depending on the substance, they impact health in various ways, both in the short and long term, with some of the most profound effects occurring during adolescence.
- Event type
- Introductory and Update Session
- Location
- LIVE STREAM
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Therapeutic alliance in the treatment of adolescent substance misuse: a systematic review
Open Access paper from the CAMH journal – ‘Therapeutic alliance has been found to play an influential role in predicting outcomes for adults and adolescents in psychotherapy. However, thus far, the information concerning the impact of therapeutic alliance on outcomes for adolescents in treatment for substance misuse has not yet been critically synthesised’. Iniyah Sulaman et al.
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Do brain function abnormalities lead to substance use, or vice versa?
New research has, for the first time, investigated the direction of links between brain function and substance use throughout adolescence. Jungmeen Kim-Spoon and colleagues studied 167 adolescents who were assessed annually for four years from 13-14 years old.
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Global development and injecting drug use in a new generation of adolescents
People who inject drugs tend to begin doing so in adolescence, and countries that have larger numbers of adolescents who inject drugs may be at risk of emerging epidemics of blood borne viruses unless they take urgent action.
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In Conversation…Addiction and Substance Use with Ian Hamilton
Ian Hamilton and Jo Carlowe discuss mental health problems and substance use co-occurring, the lack of data on young people’s substance use and risk factors and pathways to support.
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Sleep and Mental Health
Dr Sally Hobson, Specialty Community Paediatrician, Evelina Children’s Secondary Community Sleep Clinic on the relationship between sleep and mental health.
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Most Cited JCPP Articles #39 of 60
Most cited JCPP papers #39 of 60: Young adult follow‐up of hyperactive children: antisocial activities and drug use
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How can we identify and treat Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health condition where a person worries about perceived flaws in their appearance — flaws that are unnoticeable to others, or else appear incredibly slight. It affects people of any age but is most prevalent in teenagers and young adults, and although common, it frequently goes unrecognised or misdiagnosed.
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