Science Common Sense

851 - How do drugs and alcohol affect the brain?

Imagine your brain is like a computer with many connections. Drugs and alcohol affect the brain in three main ways:

  1. Blocking or Changing Connections: They can block or change the way connections (called neurotransmitters) work in your brain. This can make you feel happy or relaxed, but it can also make you feel confused or unwell.

  2. Releasing Too Much of a Good Feeling: Some drugs and alcohol make your brain release too much of a good feeling called dopamine. This can make you feel great at first, but your brain can get used to it and need more to feel good.

  3. Harming Brain Cells: Some drugs and alcohol can harm your brain cells, which can lead to problems with memory, concentration, and mood.

Remember, your brain is still growing when you're 12, and using drugs or alcohol can harm its development and affect your life in big ways.

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