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Published in: Current Addiction Reports 2/2015

01-06-2015 | Adolescent Substance Abuse (TA Chung, Section Editor)

Neuroimaging Risk Markers for Substance Abuse: Recent Findings on Inhibitory Control and Reward System Functioning

Authors: Mary M. Heitzeg, Lora M. Cope, Meghan E. Martz, Jillian E. Hardee

Published in: Current Addiction Reports | Issue 2/2015

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Abstract

Rates of alcohol and other drug use rise sharply throughout adolescence and peak in the early 20s. Likewise, prevalence of first-time substance use disorder (SUD) and past-year SUD both peak between ages 18–23. SUD is associated with a host of negative outcomes and is a serious health concern. Understanding the mechanisms that precede the onset and escalation of substance use is crucial in order to develop more effective prevention and intervention strategies for children and adolescents at risk for SUD. In this review, we discuss recent findings from functional neuroimaging studies in children, adolescents, and emerging adults that focus on uncovering the neural underpinnings of SUD risk. The focus is on inhibitory control and reward circuitry due to their involvement in risk-taking behaviors, which are heightened in adolescence and may facilitate substance use. We discuss convergences in the literature and highlight findings suggesting that the association between SUD risk and neurofunctioning may be moderated by age, gender, and history of substance use. Recommendations for future directions are also discussed.
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Metadata
Title
Neuroimaging Risk Markers for Substance Abuse: Recent Findings on Inhibitory Control and Reward System Functioning
Authors
Mary M. Heitzeg
Lora M. Cope
Meghan E. Martz
Jillian E. Hardee
Publication date
01-06-2015
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Current Addiction Reports / Issue 2/2015
Electronic ISSN: 2196-2952
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-015-0048-9

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