"The adolescent brain is different from that of an adult," National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Dr. Nora Volkow explains, "and that leads to behaviors that definitely put them at much great risk to want to try drugs than the brain of an adult."  Furthermore, Dr. Mark Willenbring, Director of Treatment and Recovery Research at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that "addiction is a disorder of young people."  In fact, 95 percent of people who are dependent on alcohol or other drugs started before they were 20 years old.

5 Things to know about Adolescent Brain Development & Use

1. The "front end" of the brain, or the part above the eyes, exists primarily to "slow us down" or help us stop our impulsive behaviors.  It takes into consideration the benefit and/or risks associated with our certain actions and helps us "hit the breaks" when we consider doing something that is too risky (Crowley). 
2. The front part of this brain is still developing connections to the other parts of the brain in adolescence, well into the early 20's.  Therefore, the adolescent brain lacks some rational thought and logical reasoning, as well as those signals to "put on the brakes" or stop.  Quite frankly, if you look at it from teenagers perspective, there are a lot of good reasons to use drugs; afterall, they're just exploring.  They have impulse control issues with their brain where they don't have very good judgment about just how risky something can be.
3. Druga of abuse are always available to your teen.  These drugs feel good, but they can also be very harmful.  Lacking some of the wiring for the "stop" message, your teenager may not fully weigh the risks of their use.
4. The two drugs that cause the most deaths are also the most widely available: alcohol and tobacco.
5. Heavy drug use during times of critical brain development may cause permanent changes in the way the brain works and in the way that it responds to rewards and consequences.  That is why it is very important to address any substance abuse as early as possible. 

Early Onset of Alcoholism - 5 Warning Signs

1. Heavy drinking and alcoholism are more likely to occur when a parent has a similar problem.  A family history of alcohol dependence increases risk of alcohol dependence four-fold.
2. Other early risk factors include serious childhood behavior problems requiring treatment, such as Attention-Deficiti Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression or anxiety, and health problems such as asthma.
3. Often, early onset alcoholism results in serious problems such as emergency room visits, injuries, fights, or declining school performance.  These serious problems may occur very early, even from the first time teens drink on their own.
4. If a drinking problem develops early, be sure that any treatment includes a thorough evaluation of other possible disorders such as those mentioned above.  Treatment of co-existing disorders can help recovery from alcoholism.  Also, teens that drink heavily often use other drugs, especially marijuana.
5. If an older child begins drinking heavily, younger siblings are more likely to do so as well.

Parents, there is good news!  Drug abuse is a preventable behavior and drug addiction is a treatable disease!

Be sure to check back for Part 2 where I will discuss how the brain becomes addicted, including changes in the brain as well as common myths about addiction.  Also, for more information, or how you can seek help, please visit the following sites: