To theoretically ground the empirical findings, we provide a plausible neurobiological model for adolescence and suggest how development during this time may lead to an enhancement in vulnerabilities for alcohol and drug abuse. The intention of this review is not to psychopathologize adolescence, but rather to explain why some teens but not others are vulnerable to substance abuse. As such, we attempt to identify potential biological and behavioral markers for early identification and for outcome assessments of interventions.
