Adolescent Substance Abuse and the Brain: the Pathways to Addiction

The recent increase in heroin-related deaths and marijuana use highlights the need to revisit substance abuse prevention and treatment among adolescents. Risk taking, such as experimenting with alcohol and other drugs, is ingrained in the teen brain. While the teen brain is still developing, it is more vulnerable to the harmful effects of substance abuse. Some teens are at even greater risk because of genetics, family history, trauma, and mental health or behavioral problems. This workshop will explore the scientific territory of addiction and the importance and challenges of prevention. You will also learn how to identify signs and symptoms of abuse. Relevant issues relating to the recent increase in opiate use will be discussed.