Neural Correlates of Response Inhibition in Adolescents Prospectively Predict Regular Tobacco Smoking

Inhibitory deficits have been widely reported in addiction; however, it remains unclear whether such deficits represent a determinant or a consequence of substance use. Here we show, using a prospective longitudinal design, that developmental abnormalities in the neural correlates of response inhibition in adolescents increase the risk for subsequent cigarette smoking. Reduced No-Go P3 amplitude, delayed latency of Go P3 peak, and reduced synchrony of neuronal oscillations at age 14 prospectively predicted regular smoking at age 18. The present findings suggest that functional brain correlates of response inhibition represent a developmental marker of risk for future substance abuse.