Alcohol Use Among Adolescents: Emerging Trends, Resilience, and Effective Responses in the Midwest

Youth alcohol use continues to evolve, shaped by shifting social norms, co‑use with vaping and cannabis, and the unique vulnerabilities of the developing adolescent brain. This 1.5‑hour session, hosted by the Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center (Great Lakes ATTC), offers a clear and practical overview of current national and Midwest trends in adolescent alcohol use, highlighting early initiation, binge drinking, and patterns shaped by geographic and community factors.

Participants will examine how alcohol affects adolescent brain development, how trauma and mental health challenges heighten risk, and why early drinking patterns have long‑term consequences. The session will introduce evidence‑based, developmentally appropriate screening and early‑intervention strategies, including youth‑specific SBIRT tools such as CRAFFT 2.1+N, S2BI, and BSTAD.

Building on regional data and real‑world cases, the session will outline effective prevention and treatment approaches, including school‑based and family‑centered models, and will address common barriers to care—from stigma and access gaps to workforce constraints. Participants will leave with practical strategies to strengthen youth engagement, support families and schools, and build resilience among diverse young people across the Midwest.