ADOLESCENT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT 

Is My Teen’s Attitude and Behavior Normal?

From mood swings to risk taking, “normal teenage behavior” can appear to be anything-but-normal to parents and other bystanders. However, new research reveals that patterns of brain development during these formative years play a significant role in shaping your teen’s personality and actions.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re one of the millions of parents who have ever wondered:

· “Who is this kid?”

· “Why does my teen do that?”

· ”What can I do?”

Through the use of video, interactive segments, scenario-based role-playing experiences, and practical advice from experts, A Parent’s Guide to the Teen Brain explores the science behind teenage brain development and how it shapes normal teenage attitude and behavior. Find tools and tips – all designed to help you connect with your teen. Gain insights into teen brain development and apply your new knowledge of normal teenage behavior to real life.

To learn more go to http://www.drugfree.org/TeenBrain/

Teenage Brain Development and Vulnerability to Drug Use  

There is significant new research concerning adolescent brain development and the effects of alcohol and other drug use on the developing brain. This emerging science is providing new insights about how teenagers make critical and life influencing decisions, including their decisions about drug use. Brain imaging studies suggest that the brain continues to develop through adolescence and into young adulthood (age 25 years). During adolescence, the parts of the brain that are responsible for expressing emotions and for seeking gratification tend to mature sooner than the regions of the brain that control impulses and that oversees careful decision making. As one expert puts it the teenage brain"has a well-developed accelerator but only a partly developed brake."

The maturing brain of the adolescent may also pose a particular risk toward drug abuse. There is some evidence that the developing brain is prone to the deleterious effects of alcohol. One study showed that memory ability may be negatively affected by about 10% as a result of alcohol abuse.

http://www.mentorfoundation.org/uploads/Adolescent_Brain_Booklet.pdf

 Parents Resource Center

http://www.drugfree.org/Parent/default.aspx?Uver=2328d934-62c5-4e23-8a28-5cf55c7e5b3c