Study Finds Link Between Sensation-Seekers and Substance Abuse

People who are impulsive in nature may have differences in the structure of their brains, which may incline them to substance abuse, says a new study. The results of the study revealed that changes in brain structures lead to the tendency to act on impulse as well as heighten the use of alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine.

"The findings allow us to have a better understanding of how normal variation in brain anatomy in the general population might bias both temperamental characteristics and health behaviors, including substance abuse," said Avram Holmes, a psychologist at Yale University in the US.

The strongest links were seen in the anterior cingulate and middle frontal gyrus -- brain areas related to the ability to regulate emotions and behaviour.

For the study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the team examined the variability in brain structure among 1,234 males and females aged 18 to 35 with no history of psychiatric disorders or substance dependence.

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the researchers measured the size of particular regions of the brain for each participant.

The participants also completed questionnaires assessing traits associated with sensation seeking and impulsivity such as their need for novel and intense experiences, willingness to take risks, and a tendency to make rapid decisions.

The participants also reported alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine usage.

"A strength of the study is that they identify this relationship within non-substance using participants, implying that these variations are not merely the consequence of the individual history of substance use," said Kristine Beate Walhovd, a professor at the University of Oslo in Norway who was not involved in the study.

The researchers further plan to continue to examine how shifts in both brain anatomy and function might affect these and other behaviors associated with risk for psychiatric illness and poor health outcomes.

Source-IANS