BC Environmental and Occupational Health Research Network

The principal purpose of the research supported through this initiative is to support a broad array of translational studies linking developmental neuroscience and behavioral treatments for drug abusing adolescents (with and without co-morbid psychiatric disorders) across the spectrum of abused drugs. Findings from research on adolescent brain development and the neurobiological, neurocognitive, and neurobehavioral processes that are associated with adolescent development and with substance abuse may provide drug abuse treatment researchers with important data and new approaches for developing and/or adapting treatment interventions for substance use disorders among adolescents. Similarly, a clearer understanding of the specific neurobiological effects and the mechanism of action of treatments may lead to the modification of existing therapies or to the development of more efficacious treatments for drug-addicted individuals that translate into sustainable changes in behavior and improved functioning.