Delay in Onset of Substance Use

“Each year that the onset of substance use is delayed until the mid-20s - about the time when the human brain is more fully developed¹⁰ — the risk of developing a substance use disorder is reduced.¹¹ Among people who used any of these substances before age 18, one in four have a substance disorder, compared with one in 25 who started to smoke, drink or use other drugs at age 21 or later.”¹²