I don’t believe Robert F. Kennedy Jr. needs to search extensively for the cause of autism. I have been thinking much about what RFK thinks about vaccines, food and so forth. I think his concern for Autism is spot on.

This article explores the causes of the country’s falling health, Autism and birth rates.

If you have used drugs like marijuana or cocaine at parties, your child’s poor health might be a result of your actions. Read on…

Focusing solely on autism, data from the United States reveals a significant rise in diagnosed cases over the past half-century, increasing from roughly 1 in 2,000 children in the 1970s and 1980s to 1 in 36 children in 2025. This signifies a greater than 50-fold rise in the reported prevalence.

No article on Autism would be complete if we didn’t acknowledge that this rise might be because of shifts in diagnostic methodologies, heightened awareness, and enhanced reporting procedures.

So, which is it?

There is substantial evidence that prenatal drug exposure can cause a wide range of birth defects, developmental issues, and medical conditions that may significantly impair a child’s ability to grow into a fully functioning adult. These effects can be severe and long-lasting, impacting various physical, cognitive, and social development aspects. The research underscores the importance of avoiding drug use during pregnancy to minimize these risks and ensure the best possible outcomes for children.

General Effects of Drug Use During Pregnancy: Most drugs of abuse can easily cross the placenta, affecting fetal brain development and potentially leading to long-lasting implications.

Drug use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of birth defects, including structural malformations and behavioral alterations in offspring.

Specific Drugs and Associated Risks:

Opioids: Linked to poor fetal growth, preterm birth, stillbirth, and specific birth defects.

Cocaine: Associated with an increased risk of stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight.

Heroin: Linked to reduced fetal growth and low birth weight.

Alcohol: Even small amounts can negatively affect the developing fetus, leading to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Long-Term Effects: Prenatal drug exposure can lead to congenital anomalies and long-term developmental issues, potentially affecting the child’s ability to function as an adult.

If that’s not enough to convince an expectant mother to avoid recreational drugs and even something as seemingly harmless as Tylenol, what about the father, or in many cases, the sperm donor?

Recreational drug use can significantly impair both male and female fertility, making it more difficult to conceive:

Male Fertility:

Recreational drug use, including marijuana and other illicit substances, can adversely affect male reproductive health, potentially leading to subfertility and increasing the risk of infertility by up to 70%.

Specific effects on male fertility include:

Alcohol: Can decrease testosterone levels, reduce semen volume, and cause erectile dysfunction.

Marijuana: May lower testosterone levels and negatively affect semen quality, including sperm count and motility.

Cocaine: Can impair erectile function and reduce sperm concentration and motility.

Opioids: Linked to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased testosterone levels.

Methamphetamines: Can lead to erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual desire, and cause apoptosis in germ cells, affecting sperm quality.

Female Fertility:

Substance abuse, including marijuana and alcohol, has been linked to negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes in females, including decreased fertility.

Specific effects on female fertility include:

Alcohol: Can disrupt menstrual cycles, leading to ovulatory dysfunction and difficulties conceiving.

Marijuana: May disrupt menstrual cycles and negatively impact assisted reproductive technology outcomes.

Cocaine: Associated with an increased risk of primary tubal infertility.

Opioids: Can lead to menstrual irregularities and amenorrhea, reducing the probability of conception.

Risks During Pregnancy

If conception does occur, recreational drug use during pregnancy poses significant risks to both the mother and the developing fetus:

Miscarriage and Stillbirth: The use of recreational drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.

Birth Defects and Developmental Issues: Many recreational drugs are teratogenic, meaning they can cause birth defects and developmental issues with long-lasting implications for the child.

Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight: Drug use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight, which can lead to further health complications for the newborn.

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): Babies born to mothers who use drugs during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth, known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

Fetal Growth Restriction: Exposure to drugs in utero can lead to poor fetal growth, resulting in babies being small for their gestational age.

Neurological and Behavioral Consequences: Prenatal exposure to drugs can lead to permanent neurological, developmental, and behavioral issues, manifesting as learning disabilities, attention deficits, and other cognitive impairments.

Long-Term Effects on Child Development

The impact of parental drug use extends beyond pregnancy and can have long-lasting effects on child development:

Physical Health: Children of parents who misuse substances may experience inadequate physical development, including stunted growth due to malnutrition in extreme cases.

Psychological and Emotional Effects: These children are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression due to the instability in their home environment.

Cognitive and Academic Challenges: Children of substance-abusing parents may show cognitive deficits that impact their academic performance.

Social and Behavioral Issues: These children may experience neglect and abuse, leading to behavioral problems and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.

Health Problems: Stress-related health problems are prevalent among these children, including conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, migraines, or asthma.

Risk of Substance Use: There is a heightened risk that these children will develop substance use disorders themselves.

Expert Opinions

Healthcare organizations and professionals emphasize the risks associated with substance use and having children:

The NSPCC highlights that problematic substance use can lead to chaotic lifestyles that may harm children.

The Perinatal Addictions Prevention Project (PAPP) focuses on educating professionals and consumers about substance use during reproductive years, pregnancy, and postpartum, emphasizing prevention and risk reduction.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) notes that substance misuse can lead to increased criminal activity, domestic abuse, and significant mental and physical health problems.

What about Paternal drug users? If only the sperm donor uses drugs for whatever reason and the mom to be is ok with him being the father, is that ok?

The survey says… No.

There is strong evidence that paternal drug use can cause DNA damage, chromosomal abnormalities, and epigenetic changes in sperm, which may increase the likelihood of birth defects and developmental issues in offspring. The specific risks depend on the type of drug, the extent and timing of use, and other mitigating factors. While not all paternal drug use results in adverse outcomes, the potential for harm underscores the importance of addressing substance use in prospective fathers to minimize risks to offspring. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and long-term implications of paternal drug use on child health and development.

Drug use, particularly substances like cocaine, opiates, alcohol, and nicotine, has been shown to cause significant DNA damage in sperm. This damage is often mediated by oxidative stress, which leads to DNA fragmentation and chromosomal abnormalities

For example, cocaine use has been linked to reduced sperm count, motility, and vitality, as well as increased DNA fragmentation. These changes can impair the genetic integrity of sperm and increase the risk of transmitting genetic abnormalities to offspring

Drug use can also induce epigenetic modifications in sperm, such as changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications. These changes do not alter the DNA sequence but can affect gene expression in the offspring, potentially leading to developmental issues or predispositions to certain conditions

Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, are another mechanism through which drug-induced epigenetic changes can be transmitted to offspring, influencing their development and health.

Certain drugs, such as chemotherapy agents and heavy alcohol use, have been associated with chromosomal damage in sperm. This can lead to aneuploidy (abnormal number of chromosomes) or structural chromosomal abnormalities, which are known causes of birth defects and developmental disorders.

Congenital Anomalies:

Paternal drug use has been associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies, such as heart defects, neural tube defects, and genital malformations. For example, paternal use of metformin has been linked to genital birth defects in male offspring.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders:

Drugs like valproate and cocaine have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), intellectual disabilities, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Behavioral and Cognitive Issues:

Paternal cocaine use has been shown to increase the risk of learning disabilities, memory loss, and conduct disorders in offspring. These effects are thought to result from drug-induced genetic and epigenetic changes in sperm.

Addiction Vulnerability:

Animal studies suggest that paternal drug use can increase the offspring’s susceptibility to addiction. For example, paternal cocaine use has been linked to changes in genes affecting synaptic connections, which may predispose offspring to substance use disorders.

Cryptorchidism and Other Specific Defects:

Paternal use of certain drugs, such as finasteride, has been associated with cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) in male offspring.

Type of Drug:

Some drugs, such as cocaine, opiates, and alcohol, have stronger evidence linking them to DNA damage and birth defects compared to others, such as certain neurological medications, which show weak or null associations.

Extent of Use:

Chronic and heavy drug use is more likely to cause significant damage to sperm DNA and increase the risk of transmitting genetic abnormalities to offspring.

Timing of Drug Use:

The period of sperm development (approximately 74 days) is critical. Drug use during this time can affect the quality and genetic integrity of sperm.

Mitigating Factors:

Some effects of drug use on sperm may be reversible with cessation of use and lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and antioxidant supplementation, which can reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm quality.

RFK’s community awakening is clearly needed, which is supported by substantial evidence.

Recreational drug use can severely harm a child, impacting everything from conception to development. For optimal reproductive health and child well-being, those planning a family should avoid recreational drugs.

Truly, we are up against addiction. It isn’t just an addiction of recreational chemistry but the chemistry in your brain. If you’re still reading, you are my people; here is more fodder for you.

With drugs, smoking or even sex here is what happens:

1. Activation of the Brain’s Reward System

The brain’s reward system plays a central role in drug-induced highs. This system includes structures such as the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and the prefrontal cortex.

When drugs are consumed, they trigger an artificial and often intense activation of this reward system, which is responsible for processing pleasurable experiences and reinforcing behaviors.

2. Dopamine Surge

One of the most significant effects of drug use is a surge in dopamine levels:

Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter in the brain’s reward system, associated with pleasure, motivation, and reinforcement.

When drugs are consumed, they often lead to a much larger increase in dopamine levels compared to natural rewards like food or social interactions.

This intense dopamine release creates the sensation of a “high,” which is a powerful motivator for repeated drug use.

3. Neurotransmitter Disruption

Different drugs affect various neurotransmitter systems in the brain:

Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines):

Increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels by blocking their reuptake.

This leads to heightened alertness, euphoria, and increased energy.

Depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines):

Enhance the effects of GABA, the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter.

This results in relaxation, reduced anxiety, and sedation.

Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, psilocybin):

Primarily affect serotonin receptors, altering perception and mood.

This leads to changes in consciousness and potential hallucinations.

4. Altered Brain Activity

Neuroimaging studies have revealed significant changes in brain activity during drug intoxication:

There’s often lower glucose metabolism in the frontal cortex during the use of substances like cocaine, morphine, or alcohol.

The binge/intoxication stage is characterized by heightened activity in the ventral striatum, a key region in reward processing.

5. Short-Term Effects on Cognition and Behavior

Drug-induced highs can lead to immediate changes in cognitive function and behavior:

Altered consciousness, euphoria, and impaired judgment are common short-term effects.

Changes in coordination, mood, and perception can occur, varying based on the type of drug used.

6. Neuroadaptations

Even short-term drug use can begin to induce neuroadaptations in the brain:

The brain may start to adapt to the presence of the drug, leading to tolerance (needing more of the drug to achieve the same effect).

These adaptations can persist, contributing to the risk of addiction and relapse.

7. Activation of Memory and Learning Circuits

During a drug-induced high, the brain’s memory and learning circuits are also activated:

This creates strong associations between the drug use, the environment, and the pleasurable experience.

These associations can trigger intense cravings when exposed to drug-related cues, even after long periods of abstinence.

But what about other things that are addictive, like adrenaline?

The effects on the brain during sex, eating a favorite food like chocolate, or engaging in thrill-seeking behaviors such as speeding while driving are all related to the activation of the brain’s reward system, but with some distinct differences. Let’s explore each activity and its neurological impact:

1. Sexual Activity

Sexual activity has a profound impact on the brain, triggering a complex interplay of neurological processes:

Hormonal Release: During sexual activity, the brain releases a cocktail of hormones and neurotransmitters, including:

Dopamine: Produced by the hypothalamus, contributing to feelings of pleasure and euphoria.

Oxytocin: Often called the “cuddle hormone,” released in large quantities during sex, promoting bonding and relaxation.

Norepinephrine: Contributes to arousal and excitement.

Brain Region Activation: Sexual stimulation and satisfaction increase activity in various brain networks, including:

Prefrontal cortex, Orbitofrontal cortex, Insula, Cingulate gyrus, Cerebellum

These regions are involved in processing emotions, sensations, and decision-making.

Mood and Stress Effects: Sexual activity is associated with improved mood and reduced stress levels due to the release of oxytocin and endorphins, which can lead to a calming effect and pain relief.

Cognitive Benefits: Regular sexual activity may improve cognitive function, particularly in older adults, enhancing memory performance, verbal fluency, and visuospatial ability.

2. Eating Highly Palatable Foods (e.g., Chocolate)

Consuming highly palatable foods like chocolate also activates the brain’s reward system, but through different mechanisms:

Reward System Activation: The mesolimbic dopamine pathway, including the nucleus accumbens, is activated by the sensory properties of chocolate, such as its taste and smell.

Dopamine Release: Eating chocolate leads to the release of dopamine, contributing to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.

Cognitive Effects: Dark chocolate, rich in flavanols, may have cognitive benefits:

Improved memory and reaction times in young adults.

Enhanced memory performance in older adults with long-term consumption of high-flavanol cocoa.

Mood Enhancement: Chocolate consumption is associated with mood improvement, possibly due to its ability to modulate neurotransmitter systems involved in mood regulation. It can lead to the release of endorphins, promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.

Craving and Reward Processing: Chocolate cues can elicit specific neural responses in regions associated with reward and craving, as shown by fMRI and ERP studies.

3. Thrill-Seeking Behaviors (e.g., Speeding While Driving)

Engaging in thrill-seeking behaviors like speeding activates the brain’s reward system in a unique way:

Dopaminergic System Activation: Thrill-seeking is associated with heightened response to dopamine, which can lead to increased risk-taking behaviors.

Risk and Reward Processing: The nucleus accumbens is activated during thrill-seeking activities, processing the rewards associated with the risky behavior.

Emotional and Cognitive Factors: Thrill-seeking can be influenced by emotional states like stress or anger, which can alter cognitive processing and lead to impaired decision-making.

Adrenaline Release: Speeding can lead to the release of adrenaline, contributing to feelings of exhilaration and excitement.

Prefrontal Cortex Engagement: Thrill-seeking behaviors uniquely engage the prefrontal cortex more extensively due to the need for risk assessment and decision-making.

Comparison and Synthesis

While all three activities activate the brain’s reward system, they do so in different ways:

Sexual activity provides a more holistic activation involving emotional bonding, stress relief, and potential cognitive benefits.

Eating chocolate focuses more on sensory pleasure and potential mood enhancement, with some cognitive benefits from certain types of chocolate.

Speeding engages the reward system through risk and excitement, involving more cognitive processing related to decision-making and risk assessment.

Each activity involves dopamine release, but the context and intensity vary. Sexual activity and chocolate consumption are generally associated with more positive long-term effects, while thrill-seeking behaviors like speeding carry significant risks and potential negative long-term consequences on brain function and overall health.

I added that last part for those who might judge drug users; believe me, we all have our own ingrained addictions. Maybe you are more responsible and understand that drug use will to quote Bruno Mars, ‘funk you up.’

One wonders what the middle ground might be? How does RFK and his team MAHA?

I would encourage him to enlist the services of experts in the field of mental health. Not only do we have an unhealthy diet, but we have a mental health crises that borders on hedonism with half the country acting like spoiled brats.

How do you fix spoiled brats?

Dad’s home; hand over the remote, and go to your room until you can behave yourself.

If only it were that simple.

If it were me, I would enlist the Franklin Grahams of the world. Education, while necessary, can only go so far. Morality seems to be a large part of the problem, and we need to attack these issues on multiple fronts. We need to dig into cultural history and backtrack to see where we went askew of common sense. -Best

Feel Free to share this post, re-blog, etc. This was a lot of work and research on my part.