Mon Prof Augmenté
Nicotine and the Adolescent Brain
Nicotine reaches the brain fast and triggers strong reward signals. In a teenage brain, repeated use can weaken attention, memory, and emotional control.
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In the picture
- Bright central brain hub: strong reward activation from nicotine.
- Amber particles clustered on the hub: repeated nicotine hits that build dependence.
- Dim rear node: weakened attention and memory signalling.
- Thin thread to a dim front node: less steady control over emotion and impulses.
Examples
- A student reaching for a vape again soon after the last one, even when they want to stop.
- Feeling scattered in class or irritable between doses after using nicotine regularly.
Key takeaways
- Nicotine changes brain circuits involved in attention, memory, and emotion.
- Dependence can develop quickly, especially in adolescence.
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