Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam Practice Questions

Teen substance abuse is often linked to underdeveloped judgment and impulsivity due to the developmental stage that adolescents are in. During the teenage years, individuals are experiencing significant neurological growth, with the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, risk assessment, and impulse control, still maturing. As a result, teenagers may engage in risk-taking behaviors, including experimenting with drugs and alcohol, often without fully understanding or considering the potential consequences.

This impulsivity can make it harder for them to resist peer pressure, evaluate the long-term impact of their choices, or foresee situations that may lead to negative outcomes related to substance use. Unlike adults, who are usually more capable of weighing risks vs. rewards, many adolescents are driven more by immediate gratification or social acceptance, which can contribute to increased rates of substance abuse within this age group.

Strong family support, accurate self-assessment, and high academic performance are typically associated with lower rates of substance abuse among teens, as these factors can provide protective mechanisms against engaging in risky behaviors.