Not unlike adults, adolescents are vulnerable to substance use disorders (SUD) and are often co-occurring with other psychiatric disorders such as ADHD, depression and anxiety. The most common SUDs in adolescents are alcohol use disorder and cannabis use disorder. The latter is thought to be associated with the development of schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses. While less common, opioid use disorders are often diagnosed in adolescents and carry a significant risk of deadly overdoses. Adolescents are often exposed to opioids after being prescribed opioid pain medications following medical procedures, or from friends or family members who are prescribed opioid pain medications.
Effective communication at home and collaboration with teachers and doctors can help identify problematic substance use and engage in early interventions.
Access “13: Co-occurring Psychiatric Illness and Substance Use in Youth” at: https://pcssnow.org/education-training/training-courses/13-co-occurring-psychiatric-illness-substance-use-youth/
More Information can be found here:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/preventing-drug-abuse-among-children-adolescents/acknowledgments
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/