Lessons Learned Adolescence is one of the most powerful periods of brain development a human will ever experience. During the teen years, the brain becomes highly adaptable—strengthening connections that are used often and pruning away those that are not. This process, called neuroplasticity, is triggered in part by puberty. While physical changes may feel automatic, brain development is anything but passive. Teens are not just growing taller. They are building the neural foundation for adulthood. The emotional and reward centers of the brain
planning, and long-term decision-making. In simple terms, the accelerator is fully online before the brakes are built. Add to that major shifts in the dopamine system—the brain’s reward pathway—and teens become more sensitive to novelty, excitement, and peer approval. That’s why “boring” feels intolerable and risk feels magnetic. Repeated thoughts, emotions, and behaviors strengthen neural pathways. What is practiced becomes wired. Healthy habits—resilience, problem- solving, emotional regulation—become durable strengths. But repeated exposure to high-risk behaviors can wire the brain in different ways. Alcohol and drug use during adolescence disrupts normal brain development and increases the risk of long-term substance use disorders. Most adults with substance use disorders began using before age 18. This is not about blaming teens—it’s about understanding them. Teens are biologically wired to explore, seek reward, and test boundaries. What excites them? Social drama, peer status, sports, performance, romance, late nights, and yes— sometimes sneaking substances. These behaviors light up the reward system. Our role as parents,
develop earlier and faster than the prefrontal cortex— the region responsible for judgment, impulse control,
mentors, and communities is not to eliminate excitement—but to redirect it. We provide structure, connection, supervision, and meaningful challenges. We help teens build life- beneficial skills. When adolescents are supported well—they “do adolescence well”— they enter adulthood with stronger brains, better judgment, and greater resilience. And that changes everything. Submitted by Larry Tracey, Executive Director of Youth4Youth, and coalition member of 3PC and the Way Out West (WOW).
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