We study two systems of adolescent risk taking: a reactivity system represented by reward and punishment sensitivity and a cognitive regulation system represented by inhibitory control involving frontal cortex functioning.

Our structural equation modeling analyses suggest that inhibitory control, measured by behavioral and neural indicators, moderates the link between reward sensitivity and substance use onset among early adolescents.

High behavioral activation system (BAS) is related to early onset among adolescents with low cognitive control but not adolescents with high cognitive control.

Substance use may result from heightened reward sensitivity in adolescence; yet, inhibitory control may be targeted for early prevention strategies for regulating reward sensitivity, resulting in a delay in substance use initiation.