Learning, the Brain, and Addiction
February 2014
Gail Schauer, Assistant DirectorND Department of Public Instruction
Dept. of Public Instruction
Safe and Healthy Schools
All students achieve their maximum education and social potential
in a healthy and safe school and community environment.
Studying the Brain
• Studying Behavior• Dissection of the Brain• Study of Bumps on the Skull Phrenology
Learning About the Brain
• EEG• Functional MRI• PETS Scans• CAT Scans
Neurons – Where Learning BeginsAxon Terminals
Myelin SheathNucleus
Dendrites
Cell Body
The Developing Brain
The brain undergoes major changes from birth to adulthood.
At what age are brains fully developed?
The Developing Brain
Development of the Brain• What part of the brain develops last?
Frontal LobeControls- Judgment- Reasoning- Organization- Planning- Strategizing- Decision
Making
Our Brain’s Reward System
Our Brain’s Reward System
Alcohol & Drugs
Destructive Behaviors - Alcohol• Addiction• Poor Judgment and Coordination• Encourages risky sexual behavior• Increased chance of driving drunk and having a car crash• Alcohol/drug poisoning• Sleep disruptions• Failing grades• Arguing with family & friends• Extra costs in medical and/or work loss• Legal problems• Hallucinations• Psychotic episodes• Changes in ability to concentrate• Emotional Issues
Destructive Behaviors - Alcohol• Injuries• Overdose• Vomiting• Choking injuries• Liver damage• Kidney damage• Brain damage• Psychoses• ADHD• Learning Disabilities• Having babies w/ fetal alcohol syndrome• Sexually transmitted infections• HIV/AIDS• Less achievement in ports and performing arts• Lower change of college admission
Non-Drinker vs. Drinker
Less Brain Activity even when sober
Underage Drinking Enforcement Training CenterOJJDP Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, January 2013
Memories
10% Smaller in those that abused alcohol at ages 14-21.Implications for learning and academic performance.
OJJDP – Effects and Consequences of Underage Drinking, September 2012
Cognitive DeficienciesAlcohol has toxic effects on the myelination process in adolescents. Myelination helps stabilize and speed brain processes.Disruption can lead to cognitive deficiencies.
OJJDP – Effects and Consequences of Underage Drinking, September 2012
Destructive Behaviors - Marijuana
Is Marijuana addicting?
Experts don’t agree, but . . .
Marijuana is NOT a benign drug
• Few physical symptoms
• VERY psychologically addictive
• More 15-17 year olds are in treatment for marijuana dependence than all other drugs
• 3 out of 4 teenagers in treatment have a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence.
Destructive Behaviors - Marijuana
• Madeline Meier -Duke University - Durham, NC• Followed 1000 people in New Zealand• Birth until age 38• Started smoking marijuana before age 18
dropped significant IQ points
X
Addiction without the drug?
• Problem or Pathological Gambling• Overeating• Self-Injury (Anorexia & Bulimia Nervosa)• “Pass Out” Game• Over-exercise• Sexual Addiction
Addictive Foods
“ We are finding tremendous overlap between drugs in the brain and food in the brain.”
- Nora Volkow, Director National Institute on Drug Abuse
4 Most Addictive Foods
Processed Sugars Chocolate
Cheese Meat
ND HS Classroom of 25(YRBS 2013)
5 smoked cigarettes
4 smoked marijuana
4 were offered, sold, or given illegal drug - osp
5 binge drink
10 believe in their community teenage drinking is ok
www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/data.htm
Keeping Our Brains Healthy ! ! !• Exercise• Eat Right• Stay Hydrated – Drink Water• Sleep• Work on Analytical Skills• Find Natural Highs
Helping Our Teens
• Stay educated• Provide healthy choices• Foster a positive environment• Teach emotional and social skills • Stay connected• Monitor their activities• Model natural highs
Parents
• Talk & listen• Have family dinners• Spend time together/stay involved• NEVER provide alcohol• Lock up alcohol in the home• Drink responsible, set a good model• Look for signs/symptoms of abuse
Schools
• Coordinated School Health Program• School Health Advisory Council• Comprehensive Physical Activity
Program• School Connectedness• Social – Emotional Learning
Resources
• Safe & Healthy Schools (DPI)www.dpi.state.nd.us/health/index.shtm
• PARENTS LEAD (listen educate ask discuss)www.parentslead.org/
• CDC Adolescent and School Healthwww.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/
Topics Include:Alcohol PreventionBrain ResearchDrug PreventionHealth and AcademicYRBSPLUS MANY MORE TOPICS
www.dpi.state.nd.us/health/index.shtm
Resources
• Teen Safe (CeASAR Children’s Hospital Boston)www.teen-safe.org
• The Adolescent Brain – Why Teenagers Think and Act Differentlywww.edinformatics.com/news/teenage_brains.htm• Effects and Consequences of Underage Drinking
www.ojjdp.gov/pubs/237145.pdf
Resources
• Coalition for Alcohol and Drug Free Teenagershttp://chccoalition.org/developing_teen_brain
• Teenage Cannabis Use Leads to Cognitive Declinewww.newscientist.com/
• Breaking the Food Seduction by Neal Barnard, MD• A Better High by Matt Bellace, Ph.D.
For More Information
Gail Schauer, Assistant DirectorSafe and Healthy SchoolsDept of Public Instruction
(701) [email protected]
