In the present study, there was no association found between STN or pallidum activation and levels of substance use as would be expected if resiliency were influencing these behaviors via this basal ganglia pathway. However, during this transition period into adulthood, drinking and drug use are at their highest (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2006, Johnston et al., 2004) which may be overshadowing this relationship. Further studies are needed to determine who continues heightened use, who desists, the impact of liability over time, and whether the relationship between resiliency and basal ganglia activation may manifest as a protective factor.
