What should counselors who work with youth with substance use disorders understand?

Counselors working with youth who have substance use disorders need to have a comprehensive understanding of young people's brain development and the associated risk and protective factors related to substance use. This knowledge is crucial because the adolescent brain is still undergoing significant changes, making it more susceptible to the effects of substances, which can interfere with developmental processes, decision-making, and impulse control.

Understanding brain development helps counselors tailor their approaches to be age-appropriate, considering that youths may not fully comprehend long-term consequences or potential harms associated with substance use. Additionally, being aware of risk factors, such as genetic predisposition, trauma, and social influences, as well as protective factors like strong family support and positive peer relationships, equips counselors to devise strategies that promote resilience and healthier choices among their clients.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not encompass the depth and complexity that understanding brain development and the multifaceted nature of risk and protective factors provides in addressing substance use disorders in youth. For instance, knowing about educational achievements or social circles is important, but these elements do not directly address the neurological and psychological underpinnings of substance use behaviors.