Adolescence is a transitional period of development when there are many changes experienced concomitantly, including physical maturation, drive for independence, increased salience of social and peer interaction, and brain development 1–3. This developmental period is also a time characterized by an inflection in risky behaviors including experimentation with drugs and alcohol, criminal activity and unprotected sex. Understanding the neural basis of these risky behaviors is key in identifying which teens may be at risk for poor outcomes, such as substance dependence and abuse.
