Cannabis and the Adolescent Brain Pamphlet
“Just the Facts” Substance Use and the Developing Brain Game
Neuroplasticity and Synaptic Pruning
Did you know you have this amazing superpower to rewire your brain? In this short video, we will cover all about neuroplasticity and synaptic pruning - basically you have the ability to change the circuitry in your brain based upon your thought, actions, and lifestyle. Use it or Lose it!
Video coming soon….
Adolescent Brain Development
What is going on inside your brain now? How is it changing? Here, you can learn all about where your emotions come from and why sometimes it’s not so easy to control them during adolescence. You will also learn about particular regions in the brain and their fascinating functions.
Stress and Anxiety
Reoccurring stress can lead to depression and anxiety in adulthood if gone untreated. Research studies have demonstrated that repeated stress can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain that can result in depression and/or anxiety.
Video coming soon….
Dangers of Fentanyl
Fentanyl, carfentanil, and other synthetic opioids are found in many drugs bought on the street. This is because these drugs can be cut with these “deadly, yet less expensive fillers” as a means to bulk up the drug being sold. Getting drugs from the street these days is literally playing Russian Roulette.
Video coming soon….
High Potency Cannabis
The weed or marijuana today is nothing like it used to be. In the 1970’s the average potency of weed was roughly 0.5-5% THC (the component in marijuana that gives the high feeling). Now there is weed that contains 15% THC! Also, concentrates can be bought containing >90% THC. Research studies are showing how the higher potency weed can lead to deleterious effects on the adolescent brain such as increased anxiety, depression, and potential psychosis. The higher potency weed has also been linked to cannabis use disorder or addiction in adolescents.
Video coming soon….
Resiliency
When faced with challenges, do you tend to let it get you down or do you emerge stronger? Having a resilient mindset is a key driver of a successful future. In this video, we will explore strategies for fostering resilience and its role in shaping the future you envision, ultimately equipping you with invaluable tools to bounce back stronger from adversity.
Video coming soon….
Mindfulness
What is mindfulness? It’s the buzz word you hear everywhere! This video explains and demonstrates mindfulness and how to utilize breathing exercises and grounding techniques to deal with stress and anxiety. Mindfulness is a wonderful method to become more in touch with your emotions and learn how to recognize and allow those emotions to be present, but not define and overtake you.
Video coming soon….
The Reward Center
Have you ever wondered why certain activities make you feel so good? This can be things like eating ice cream or playing a video game. That’s because of the reward center in your brain! In this video, we will explore how the reward center influences our emotions, behaviors, and even our decision-making and how understanding the science behind what drives us can empower us to make positive choices.
Video coming soon….
Self-Narrative
How do you speak to yourself? Are you caring and kind? Or are you cruel and disrespectful? Would you speak to your best friend the way you speak to yourself? This video touches on how we speak to ourselves and suggests ways to change those destructive self-narratives to more realistic and constructive self-narratives during adolescence.
Video coming soon….