Adolescence marks a period of increased experimentation with drugs and alcohol 92, with alcohol being the most abused of illegal substances by teens 11, 93, 94. Early use of these substances, such as alcohol, is a reliable predictor of later dependence and abuse 95. Given the surge in alcohol dependence between adolescence and adulthood that is unequaled at any other developmental stage 96, we focus predominantly on a select review here of its use and abuse in adolescents and motivational properties.
