Chronic Alcohol and Marijuana Use During Youth Can Compromise White-Matter Integrity

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121214190942.htm

Dec. 14, 2012 — Chronic use of alcohol and marijuana during youth is associated with poorer neural structure, function, and metabolism, as well as worsened neurocognitive abilities into later adolescence and adulthood. This may be due to biological and psychosocial transitions occurring during adolescence that impart increased vulnerability to neurotoxic influences. A study of longitudinal changes in fiber tract integrity associated with adolescent alcohol and marijuana use during 1.5 years supports previous findings of reduced white-matter integrity in these youth.

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