Which factor contributes to higher vulnerability to AOD effects in some adolescents?

• A. Brain development stages, metabolism differences by gender, and other factors.
• B. Only age.
• C. Only parental income.
• D. Age, brain development, and gender.

Answer: (D)

Adolescents’ vulnerability to alcohol and other drugs comes from several interacting factors, not just one. Age matters because individuals within adolescence are at different points in development and experience, and their exposure and social context change as they grow. Brain development is crucial since the brain areas involved in decision making, impulse control, and reward systems are still maturing; substances can alter how these networks develop and can lead to greater short- and long-term effects. Gender plays a role because biology influences how substances are processed—differences in metabolism, body composition, and hormonal factors can change the intensity and type of effects experienced.

Putting these together, age, brain development, and gender give a more complete picture of vulnerability. The other options miss one or more of these important factors.