According to recent reports, marijuana use has more than doubled in the past decade. Although it is often portrayed as harmless, and sometimes even therapeutic, marijuana causes significant brain changes by slowing activity in the frontal and temporal lobes, areas of the brain involved with focus, concentration, motivation, memory, learning, and mood stability. Some argue…
We all know the feeling. The desperation and frustration as we watch someone we love struggling in a fight that they can’t seem to win by themselves. It can make you feel hopeless, dejected, and helpless as you are stuck on the sidelines, watching them suffer. And it isn’t just themselves they are hurting, whether…
Addiction has been known to ruin lives, relationships and bank accounts. Some people assume that addiction must be tied to a substance or alcohol, but it’s actually rooted much deeper than that, straight into your brain. In a study that involved over 1,500 professionals throughout the United States and Europe, research found that 40.2% considered…
Do you make impulsive decisions throughout the day? Does the smell of fresh pizza or chocolate cake lure you in? Does the idea of an ice cream cone or frozen yogurt entice you? Do you find that you are easily distracted or have trouble staying focused at work? Perhaps, you have trouble completing a paper…
Most of us associate caffeine with coffee, but it can also be found in tea, dark sodas, chocolate, energy drinks, and pep pills. If your caffeine intake is limited to one or two normal-size cups of coffee or 2 or 3 cups of tea a day, it is probably okay. But any more than that…
Major depression isn’t a choice or something that, “just goes away” over time. Depression is a brain issue. The longer depression is left untreated or ineffectively treated, the higher the risk of suicide becomes—especially in those with co-occurring mental health issues. In fact, a 2009 study revealed that 80% of suicide attempts were due to…
As marijuana continues to be legalized state after state, the use of marijuana during adolescence and early adulthood is continuing to rise. With decriminalization of marijuana occurring in U.S. states, the tide is turning on public opinion. Many people — particularly adolescents — falsely believe that marijuana is a harmless source of mood alteration. How…
“It’s a natural plant! What’s the big deal?” —A common declaration among youth who believe that the effects of marijuana are harmless and that the substance shouldn’t be regulated. Regardless of public opinion, the science is clear: Regular recreational use of marijuana during adolescence is harmful to the brain, which isn’t fully developed until the…
In large part, your behavior is driven by the actual, physical functioning of your brain. When your brain works right, you are more likely to act in thoughtful, conscientious ways that help you to live longer. When your brain is troubled,…
Neuroscientists call the prefrontal cortex (PFC) the executive part of the brain because it functions like the boss at work. Use these tips to optimize your PFC and boost the control that you have over your life. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) – the front third of your brain – is larger in…