This program drives home the message that drug addiction is a disease of the brain and that teens are at highest risk for acquiring this disease. Stephen Dewey and other leading scientists detail how drugs like heroin, nicotine, cocaine and marijuana change the brain, subvert the way it registers pleasure and corrupt learning and motivation. Young recovering addicts provide a human face to the effects of drugs and alcohol as they describe how addiction involves intense craving for a drug and loss of control over its use. Viewers also learn that the brain’s plasticityàor ability to changeàoffers hope for addicts that they can turn their lives around.

Teacher's guide available under Additional info tag.