The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health—IJERPH (ISSN 1660-4601, IF 2.468) is currently running a Special Issue "Risk Behaviors and Substance Abuse among Adolescents". 

Prof. Dr. Marta Lima-Serrano (University of Sevilla), Prof. Dr. Isotta Mac Fadden (University Pablo de Olavide, Global Center for Applied Health Research from the Arizona State University), Prof. Dr. Elena Gervilla (University of the Balearic Islands and the Balearic Islands Health Research Institute) and Prof. Dr. Alexandra Morales (Miguel Hernández University), are serving as guest editors.  

Fo...

The developmental stage of adolescence involves dramatic biologic, psychological, and behavioural changes.

It is a time where young people start to explore, seek further independence and experiment with new experiences. It is also a time where young people are particularly vulnerable to developing difficulties related to potentially risky behaviour.

Vulnerability to initiating and developing substance use and substance use disorders involves a number of interconnected factors. 

By understanding the potential risk and protective factors, parents, and those working with teenagers can help...

Adolescence involves dramatic biologic, psychological, and behavioural changes.

Adolescents respond, learn and explore their environment, forming new relationships and further developing their identity.

It is often a time where individuals are more likely to participate in risky behaviour, frequently influenced by substance use. Substance use among adolescents ranges from experimentation to severe substance use disorders.

Understanding brain development during this stage can provide important information to practitioners supporting young people who are experiencing issues related to...

This new consensus document from the U.S. National Academy of Medicine outlines recent research on adolescent development and makes recommendations to U.S. stakeholders for improving outcomes for adolescents. While the recommendations are mostly for a U.S. audience, the information on positive adolescent development is useful for everyone interested in prevention.