Brain health: Alcohol and substance use reduces cognitive flexibility
Share on Pinterest A recent study explored how alcohol and cocaine misuse impacts brain health. Jasmin Merdan/Getty Images “ Cognitive flexibility” involves adapting to changes in circumstances to achieve favorable outcomes. Certain substances influence cognitive flexibility, and researchers are still working to understand the interactions and changes that occur. A recent study explored the link between reduced cognitive flexibility and the use of alcohol and cocaine. The data offered vital insight into the underlying neural pathways involved in these brain changes. The relationship between the brain and certain addictive substances is still not fully understood. Researchers are still seeking to understand the complexity and the unique neural pathways affected. A recent rodent study examined how cocaine and alcohol impact specific pathways in the brain. The researchers found that cocaine and alcohol likely inhibit particular pathways in the brain, impairing the ability to adapt to ch...