Youth substance abuse and addiction remain serious concerns for parents and communities here in Arkansas and around the country. There is, however, some evidence suggesting that substance use behaviors among youth have been on the decline for the past decade. While that's good news, data show that a considerable number of young people are still impacted, and those who struggle with addiction face a long and challenging road ahead. To better understand the state of youth substance abuse and addiction in Arkansas, we’re joined on this episode of the Wonks at Work podcast by Dr. Stephanie Rose, who directs the Addiction Studies Program at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.