Research: Aging Matters

Adolescence marks rapid surges in problematic alcohol and cannabis use, but also remarkable recovery rates, as most adolescent substance use disorders naturally resolve over time. 

We believe knowledge about different developmental trajectories can help us understand the brain’s natural recovery potential. However, the impact of age on the mechanisms underlying addiction is largely unknown. Neurocognitive models are often based on research in adults.

 Capitalizing on adolescents’ unique socio-cognitive sensitivity and learning flexibility, we developed a novel neurocognitive framework proposing a key role for social sensitivity and learning flexibility in adolescents’ risk and resilience to addiction (Cousijn et al, Lancet Child & Adolescent Health 2018). 

This framework set the stage for a series of translational studies (ERC starting grant) in which we test the social plasticity model and develop new methods to measure socio-cognitive sensitivity and learning flexibility. At its core is a neuroimaging study in which we follow adolescents and adults who drink or use cannabis for two years.