⛔ I’ll just try it once: why even the first dose is a risk — 27 июня 2026 г. в 06:58:01.043
⛔ I’ll just try it once: why even the first dose is a risk A single “try” might seem harmless, but from a neurobiological perspective, this is a myth. Anna Alexandrovna Eremeeva, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology at Northern State Medical University, Chief External Specialist Psychiatrist‑Narcologist at the Ministry of Health of the Arkhangelsk Region, and Deputy Chief Physician for Outpatient Care and Interdepartmental Cooperation at the Arkhangelsk Clinical Psychiatric Hospital, explained how psychoactive substances affect the human brain: Psychoactive substances quickly affect the neurotransmitter system, including the dopamine system — the brain’s main pathway for motivation and reward. Even a single use can trigger a dopamine release that strengthens the connection between taking the substance and the feeling of pleasure. 🧠 The brain registers this dopamine surge as an extremely significant experience, stores it in memory, and shifts its priorities — so that natural rewards (food, social interaction, sports, creativity, achievements) start to seem less compelling. 🧠 At the same time, the prefrontal cortex slows down, reducing impulse control and making decisions less balanced. In people with higher vulnerability — due to chronic stress, genetic predisposition, or adolescence — these changes occur faster and are more pronounced. The risk depends not only on the substance itself but also on the situation: mixing it with alcohol, being tired, or being alone can intensify the negative effects. ❗ It’s important to understand that the first dose isn’t just an “experiment”; it’s a physiological intervention in the brain’s functioning. It triggers neuroplastic reorganisation, can alter a person’s behaviour, and increases the likelihood of repeated use. 🧠 Take care of your brain! The decision to “just try it once” can have real and long‑lasting consequences. Every person with a drug addiction once used a drug for the first time without intending to become addicted. If a person never tries a drug, they definitely won’t develop drug addiction. ✅ This publication is part of the Week of Prevention of Drug Use, marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June.