Why are teenagers more vulnerable to drug addiction? The answer lies in a critical stage of brain development, according to pioneering research psychiatrist and Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the NIH, Dr. Nora D. Volkow. During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes that affect decision-making, impulse control, and reward processing—factors that increase susceptibility to addiction. Dr. Volkow will explain the science behind these developmental stages and offer insights into how understanding this process can help adolescents and their communities mitigate the risks of addiction. Learn about the latest research and strategies to support healthy brain development, build resilience, and reduce the likelihood of substance abuse during these formative years.