By Cecilia Bianco, July 21 2014
Findings of a recent study published in Nature claim that it is possible to predict which teens will likely become binge drinkers. The study, “Neuropsychosocial Profiles of Current and Future Adolescent Alcohol Misusers,” found that several factors can help predict future substance abuse:
- Genetics
- Brain function
- Personality traits
- History
The researchers of the study took brain scans of about 700 14-year-olds from all over Europe and analyzed their personality traits, life experiences, genetics, and drinking habits. Two years later, the researchers followed up with the now 16-year-old teens and found that the above factors served as indicators of future unhealthy drinking habits.
These results lead researchers to believe they may be able to develop a tool to accurately predict who is prone to abusing alcohol—knowledge that will allow them to better help people avoid addiction.
Hugh Garavan, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont and the study's senior author, says more research is needed before a tool like this can be created.
“Still, this does bring us one step closer to understanding the roots of addiction,” Garavan said.
The researchers will continue to check in with the teenagers of the study to monitor their drinking habits. The participants of this study were all white European teenagers, thus further research will likely be focused on different ethnic groups.
For past reporting on teen substance abuse, visit the following:
Families Gather to Improve Teen Substance Abuse Treatment
Study Reveals Substance Abuse Among Teens with Mental Health Issues
North Carolina Update: Screening for Adolescent Substance Abuse
Image from Creative Commons User Thai Nguyen
Updated: February 08 2018