When we talk about youth and substance use, it can feel like a distant worry or something that “others’ children” might face. Reported findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), offer concrete, evidence‑based insights to help families stay informed, vigilant, and hopeful. The ABCD Study tracked nearly 12,000 children across the U.S., beginning at ages nine or ten, and followed them over ten years to see what predicts health and behavior in adolescence and early adulthood.
Early adolescence is a time when many youths begin experimenting, primarily with alcohol (small tastes) or nicotine, and those patterns tend to increase gradually. One of the goals of the ABCD research is to identify the early signs or risk factors that predict who will transition from experimenting to more regular or problematic use.
Kids are more likely to try drugs or alcohol if they have behavior problems like being impulsive or getting into trouble. If their parents have had problems with drugs or alcohol, they are also more likely to start using at a younger age. Cumulative adversity, like family stress, not having enough money, or going through hard times like abuse or neglect, can also increase the chances of early substance misuse. These predictors don’t guarantee substance problems, but they help identify youth who might need stronger support. With ongoing patterns like these, there is a greater likelihood that teens will escalate from experimentation to use in early teens. Genetic risk factors and environment could imply that for some, a single use of a substance could relate to addiction.
The adolescent brain has neuroplasticity, meaning habits formed often last into adulthood. Habits are formed for sleep, physical activity, nutrition, coping styles, relationship patterns, mental health management, and substance use attitudes and behaviors. This is a golden opportunity to bolster resilience. Substance use prevention is best, and treating problems early is important. It is interesting to note that as cannabis has become legal in more places, first for medical purposes and now for recreational use, teens are developing different attitudes about its safety. Many see cannabis as a safer, even healthier, alternative to alcohol, even though its source or contents may not always be reliable.
Teens who use substances to cope with or treat anxiety, sleep issues, stress, and mental health conditions shortchange themselves and disrupt identity development. Parents should help their teens build up these skills while discouraging the substance use shortcut. Teaching and reinforcing self‑regulation, emotional coping (rather than avoidance or substance use), and stress reduction skills can help youth resist temptation.
While much of the research focused on risk, ABCD also emphasizes that many youths do not follow risky paths, even in challenging circumstances. Protect your adolescent by practicing positive parenting and monitoring your child’s activities. Ask questions about intoxication and be available when teens come home at night. Stick to predictable schedules and positive family routines. Clearly communicate family rules and practice early drink refusal skills. Teens who are encouraged to participate in healthy outlets for sensation-seeking, regularly get eight to ten hours of sleep, and have positive social involvement and friendships are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and will build healthy coping resources.
The findings from the ABCD Study carry both warnings and promises. Yes, adolescent experimentation with substances increases over time; yes, certain children are more vulnerable because of behavior, family history, or adversity. But the study also underlines a vital truth: many youth never progress from experimentation, and many more can be buffered by strong support, caring adults, and early intervention.
Watch for early behavioral concerns like impulsivity, trouble following rules, missing out on or quitting activities, hangover symptoms, not caring about appearance, changing friends, getting into trouble at school, and/or different eating or sleeping habits, then seek support or screening. When early behavioral or emotional problems are addressed through counseling, behavioral programs, or family support, the trajectory toward substance escalation is disrupted.
If your household has experienced trauma or adversity, consider trauma‑informed resources to strengthen the protective environment around your children.
The road of adolescence includes challenges. With understanding, support, and early action, many youth will grow resilient, avoid harmful substance patterns, and thrive. The ABCD evidence doesn’t say substance use is inevitable; it says that in many cases, it is preventable. Adolescents are receptive to education about substance use risks, especially if adults do not fear the conversation. The child’s reaction is not predictive of their future decision-making regarding substance use.
Pam Kerley has a master's degree in Youth, Family, and Community Science and is the 4-H Program Assistant at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Lee County Center. For more information about this topic and others, contact Lee County 4-H. 4-H is a positive youth development program that offers activities to fit various interests, backgrounds, budgets, and schedules. In Lee County, 4-H provides opportunities for youth through in-school programs, after-school activities, clubs, and camps, welcoming all children eager to have fun, learn, and grow. In North Carolina, 4-H is powered by NC State Cooperative Extension and NC A&T University, bringing expert knowledge, resources, and practical tools to enrich daily life and support community well-being.
Reprinted from an article that ran in the Sanford Herald on October 18th, 2025
