Adoleescent Brain Changes Associated With Drug Use:A Longitudinal Neuroimaging And Urine Analysis Study

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20340698

Abstract

Background

Adolescence is a critical period of neurodevelopment characterized by synaptic pruning, myelination, and refinement of neural circuits involved in cognition, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. Exposure to psychoactive substances during this developmental stage may produce measurable structural and functional brain alterations.

Objective

To evaluate neuroanatomical changes associated with cannabinoid and opiate exposure among adolescents using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and urine drug analysis.

Methods

A longitudinal observational study was conducted among adolescents aged 15–25 years recruited from private drug rehabilitation cantersof karachi. Participants underwent structural MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) assessment. Urine drug screening was performed to confirm cannabinoid and opiate exposure. Cortical thickness, hippocampal volume, amygdala morphology, cerebellar volume, and fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the corpus callosum were analysed. Data were statistically analysed using SPSS version 26.

Results

Adolescents with positive urine drug screens demonstrated significantly reduced prefrontal cortical thickness and lower hippocampal volume compared with controls. DTI analysis revealed reduced FA values in the corpus callosum among substance users, suggesting impaired white matter integrity. Structural abnormalities were more pronounced among participants with prolonged substance exposure.

Conclusion

Cannabinoid and opiate exposure during adolescence is associated with measurable neurodevelopmental abnormalities detectable on MRI and DTI. Integration of neuroimaging findings with biochemical confirmation strengthens evidence regarding the neurological impact of adolescent substance use.