A recent study published in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology has uncovered a surprising link between adolescent alcohol use and brain structure. Researchers found that larger hippocampal volumes are associated with alcohol use during adolescence, while no such relationship was found for tobacco or cannabis use. This study adds new dimensions to our understanding of how different patterns of substance use affect the adolescent brain. Substance use among adolescents is a critical public health issue due to its potential long-term impact on both physical and mental health. Adolescence…