and increased anxiolysis during adolescence may also be a reflection of the developmental state of the GABAA receptor system that underlies anxiety and may be a contributing factor to problem drinking. Salimov et al. (1996) reported that ethanol consumption during the adolescent period results in lower responsivity to novelty-induced anxiety and stress. Again, these outcomes are predictive of a greater risk for problem drinking as a result of ethanol exposure during the adolescent developmental period.
