Unraveling Addiction: What the Brain and Hormones Can Teach Us About Ourselves

Heliox: Where Evidence Meets Empathy

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Today, we dive into the complex world of adolescent substance use, exploring groundbreaking research that reveals how biological factors influence risk susceptibility. With insights from recent studies published in *ScienceDaily* and *Neuroscience News*, we uncover the intricate connections between brain structure, early substance initiation, and the role of estrogen in binge drinking behavior among females.
In this episode, we begin by examining a significant study from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study—the largest longitudinal study of its kind in the U.S. Here, researchers discovered distinct brain structure differences in adolescents who began using substances like alcohol, nicotine, or cannabis before age 15. We discuss how variations in cortical thickness, surface area, and volume in critical brain regions, particularly the cortex, may predispose these adolescents to higher risks of substance use.
Dr. Nora Volkow, director of NIDA, emphasizes that while brain structure can shed light on risk factors, it is not a definitive predictor of substance use. Some of these structural differences were evident even before any reported substance use, hinting at a complex interplay of genetics, environmental influences, and brain architecture that contributes to individual resilience and vulnerability.
The conversation then shifts to the fascinating relationship between estrogen and binge drinking in females. A preclinical study published in *Nature Communications* reveals a direct link between high estrogen levels during specific phases of the estrous cycle in female mice and increased binge drinking behav

This is Heliox: Where Evidence Meets Empathy

Independent, moderated, timely, deep, gentle, clinical, global, and community conversations about things that matter. Breathe Easy, we go deep and lightly surface the big ideas.

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Four recurring narratives underlie every episode: boundary dissolution, adaptive complexity, embodied knowledge, and quantum-like uncertainty. These aren’t just philosophical musings but frameworks for understanding our modern world.

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