Neurobiological contributions to addiction: a narrative review of adolescent and adult vulnerabilities.

Background: Addiction is a multidimensional disorder largely influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, presenting distinct manifestations in adolescents and adults. At different stages of brain development, neurobiological mechanisms play a central role in the development and persistence of addictive behaviors.

Objectives: This review synthesizes recent studies indexed in Scopus, focusing on biological contributions to addiction in adolescents and adults.

Materials and methods: The Scopus database was systematically searched and retrieved studies using predetermined inclusion criteria. The overall neurobiological factors that determine vulnerability to addiction among both adolescents and adults were analyzed; these include neurodevelopmental factors, neuroadaptive changes through chronic substance use, and genetic influences.

Results: The findings indicate that adolescents, with heightened dopaminergic activity and synaptic plasticity, are particularly sensitive to addictive behaviors, while adults, after prolonged substance use, experience neuroadaptations leading to tolerance and dependence. Genetic predispositions and epigenetic changes also contribute to addiction vulnerability in both groups. These insights suggest the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies that address the unique neurobiological profiles of adolescents and adults to reduce the overall impact of addiction.

Conclusion: Understanding the biological basis of addiction in adolescents and adults is important to advise successful public health policies and clinical interventions.