The Storm Within: Neuropsychological Insights into Dysregulation and Substance Use in the Adolescent Brain.

Title : The Storm Within: Neuropsychological Insights into Dysregulation and Substance Use in the Adolescent Brain.

Abstract:

Adolescents struggling with substance use often display emotional volatility, impulsivity, and behavioral dysregulation—hallmarks of a deeper neurodevelopmental imbalance. This keynote explores the “storm within,” a dynamic interplay between a hyperactive limbic system and an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex, illuminating the neuropsychological roots of adolescent dysregulation and substance-related vulnerability.

During adolescence, the limbic system—central to emotion and reward processing—matures ahead of the prefrontal cortex, which governs executive function and self-regulation. This developmental mismatch, compounded by dopamine surges, heightens reward-seeking and impulsivity. Substance use further disrupts neurodevelopmental processes such as myelination, synaptic pruning, and neurotransmitter balance, intensifying emotional instability and increasing the risk of long-term cognitive and behavioral consequences.

Clinically, recognizing these neurobiological underpinnings is essential for effective intervention. This presentation outlines strategies to normalize brain-based changes through psychoeducation, assess executive and emotional functioning, and apply evidence-based modalities including a variety of therapeutic and mindfulness practices. These approaches aim to strengthen prefrontal regulation and promote adaptive coping. Additionally, engaging family and peer systems enhances resilience and supports sustained recovery.

By integrating neuropsychological insights with compassionate care, clinicians can better navigate the complexities of adolescent substance use, fostering regulation, resilience, and neurodevelopmental protection

Learning Objectives:

• Define neuropsychological dysregulation in adolescent substance use disorder (SUD).

• Describe the neurodevelopmental mismatch between limbic and prefrontal systems and its role in dysregulation.

• Examine the impact of substance use on adolescent brain development, including structural and functional disruptions.

• Implement evidence-based strategies to enhance emotional regulation and mitigate neurodevelopmental harm.

Biography:

Dr. Ann Marie Leonard-Zabel is a Full Professor of Psychology and Department Coordinator at Curry College in Massachusetts, USA. She received awards from Curry College involving Person of the Year, Excellence in Teaching, Excellence in Research, Excellence in Partnership Collaboration, Woman of Inspiration, and an invited three-time presenter at the Curry Authors event. She is a frequent speaker and keynote at national and international conferences involving Addictions, School Psychology, School Neuropsychology, Vrain Health Trainer, Disability Analysis, Homeland Security, Violence-Aggression, Forensic Examining, Autism, Trauma, A-D/HD, COVID-19/Long COVID and Post COVID-19 conditions among children and youth, Ethics. In addition, she owns a private international practice specializing in evaluations, consultation, and in-service trainings for neuro-behavioral learning disabilities, neuro-developmental disorders, emotional-behavioral disorders, forensic examiner evaluations and substance use/abuse disorders. She has served as a senior clinical supervisor/clinical instructor for the School Neuropsychology Institute training psychologists in School Neuropsychology. Dr. Leonard-Zabel has published chapters and training programs in the areas of Autism, Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, Telepractice Therapy, Diversity-Equity-Inclusion, as well as chapters in Ethics, TBI, Addictions, and Forensics. Dr. Leonard-Zabel is a Board of Director for the Learning Disabilities Worldwide Congress, is a member of the United Nations Association (UNA-USA) and is one of a group of Global Goodwill Ambassadors-USA for the Global Goodwill Ambassador Foundation (GGAF) focusing on the UN SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being (strengthen the prevention, assessment and treatment of substance use disorder) and SDG 4 - Quality Education (disabilities and human rights) and SDG 16 - Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Societies (decrease violence and abuse of children and youth). Dr. Leonard-Zabel received the Lifetime Achievement award in School Neuropsychology and the Distinguished Lifetime Career Achievement award from the American Board of Disability Analysts.