101533: Adolescent Development and Alcohol Use

About the Course:

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Videoconference Series provides access to leading scientists and the latest alcohol research. NIAAA experts offer free, accurate, and timely information on a wide range of alcohol-related topics. This presentation describes the nature and extent of underage drinking and how it relates to adolescent development, discusses the developing brain and its relationship to adolescent decision-making and vulnerability to alcohol’s effects, and highlights certain aspects of what has been learned about intervention. This videocast is 30 minutes long.

Journal/Publisher:

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Publication Date:

December 2008

Authors

Vivian B. Faden, Ph.D.; Patricia A. Powell, Ph.D.

About the Authors:

Dr. Faden is Acting Director, Office of Science Policy and Communications, at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Dr. Powell is Chief of the Science Policy Branch at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for health care professionals, especially addiction counselors, psychologists, mental health counselors, social workers, and nurses who seek knowledge about adolescent development and alcohol use. It is appropriate for all levels of participants’ knowledge.

Course Objectives:

1. Describe the nature and extent of underage drinking and how it relates to adolescent development.

2. Discuss the developing brain and its relationship to adolescent decision-making and vulnerability to alcohol’s effects.

3. Identify intervention techniques based on knowledge of adolescent development and alcohol vulnerability.