Neuroanatomical Variability and Substance Use Initiation in Late Childhood and Early Adolescence

Source:

Miller AP, Baranger DAA, Paul SE, et al. Neuroanatomical Variability and Substance Use Initiation in Late Childhood and Early Adolescence. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(12):e2452027. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.52027

Key Points

Question  What are the neuroanatomical features associated with early substance use initiation, and do they precede initiation?

Findings  In this cohort study of 9804 participants, variability in brain structure, including greater whole brain, cortical, and subcortical volumes, and thinner prefrontal cortex, but thicker cortex otherwise, was significantly associated with early (ie, age <15 years) substance use initiation (ie, alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, or other). The majority of brain structure features associated with substance use initiation were evident among substance-naive children at baseline who later initiated.

Meaning  These findings suggest neurodevelopmental variability in brain structure may confer risk for early substance involvement.