Research

Brain structure differences provide clues to substance use risks

WashU researchers found correlations between certain types of brain structure and youth who try substances before age 15. (Photo: Shutterstock)
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When studying substance use disorders, scientists had thought some of the effects on the brain could stem from use of the substances themselves: People start drinking alcohol in early teens, that alcohol has a neurotoxic effect on the developing brain that begets more alcohol drinking, and a similar dynamic occurs with other substances.

But research from Washington University in St. Louis turns that thinking around. Certain features of brain structure may be one of the factors that can contribute to substance use initiation.