Most young people can be at some risk for substance abuse, regardless of their genetics. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, teen drug addiction is the nation’s most costly and most preventable health problem. That said, nine out of ten adults with substance use disorder still report they began drinking and using drugs before age eighteen. According to Jessica Lahey, parents and educators need to understand the roots of substance abuse, identify those most at risk for addiction and offer timely, practical steps for prevention. (more…)