NIDA Notes Articles: Risky Behavior

Peers Increase Teen Driving Risk via Heightened Reward Activity

March 2012
Adolescent, but not adult, drivers are more likely to take risks when peers are watching, a new study suggests.

Prevention Program Reduces Later Risky Sexual Behaviors

March 2011
Reports on a school-based drug abuse prevention program showing that teens who participate in the program are less likely than their peers to engage in risky sexual behavior as young adults.

High, Persistent Rates of Risky Sexual Behaviors in Delinquent Youth

October 2010
Reports study findings that show young people who have gotten into trouble with the criminal justice system report high rates of sexual behaviors that increase risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Manic Mice Show Heightened Sensitivity to Rewards

October 2009

Reports on an animal study suggesting that the manic stage of bipolar disorder promotes signs of drug abuse vulnerability by enhancing sensitivity to rewards, both natural and drug-related.