True! Due the brains' rapid growth of dompamine-rich areas, the brain responds more rapidly to the effects of drugs and alcohol. This also increases the chances of addiction during the teen years as opposed to during other times of life. Dopamine acts as a sort of reward system. For instance,...
See
This Answer NowStart your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
True! Due the brains' rapid growth of dompamine-rich areas, the brain responds more rapidly to the effects of drugs and alcohol. This also increases the chances of addiction during the teen years as opposed to during other times of life. Dopamine acts as a sort of reward system. For instance, if I bump into my best friend on the street, my brain is going to realize that I am happy and secrete dopamine in response. In the same way, when a teenager drinks or does drugs, the brain notices the change in the body and secretes dopamine. The body begins to desire that dopamine release and thus teenagers becomes addicted. Because teenager's brains are radically changing and developing, their brains release dopamines at the first sign of excitement/happiness.