Dear Readers: A new study by Dr. Wilens and his colleagues (Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2011) just confirmed that ADHD is a significant risk factor for the development of Substance-Use Disorders as well as cigarette smoking in men and women. IN addition, having ADHD and also Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Disorder were also significant predictors of Substance-Use Disorders later on in life. One cannot emphasize enough the importance of prevention, and the importance to diagnose and treat ADHD as early as a child shows symptoms of such condition, as well as symptoms of defiance and of conduct disorders. Parents, pediatricians, preschool teachers, and other people working with young children should always screen young children for ADHD and comorbid disorders. In addition, as children become older, it is important to continue assessing, screening, and treating ADHD and comorbid disorders. Please, refer to chadd.org and other empirically-based websites for more information. Sincerely, Vera Joffe, Ph.D.