Introduction and Definitional Framework Adolescent substance abuse represents a significant public health challenge, distinct from adult substance use disorders due to the unique developmental stage of the user. It is generally defined as the harmful use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and misuse of prescription medications, by individuals between the ages of 10 […]
Adolescent Drug Overdose Risk: A Psychological and Public Health Imperative The risk of drug overdose among adolescents represents a critical and escalating public health crisis, demanding rigorous examination within the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and toxicology. While substance use disorder itself poses significant developmental challenges, the immediate threat of lethal overdose has been amplified by […]
Defining Adolescent Substance Use and Abuse Adolescent substance use refers to the consumption of psychoactive substances—including alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and illicit drugs—by individuals typically aged 10 to 19. This behavior exists on a continuum, ranging from experimental or occasional use to problematic use, dependency, and the clinical diagnosis of a substance use disorder (SUD). While […]
Defining the Scope of Adolescent Substance Use Adolescent substance use (ASU) represents a critical public health concern, encompassing the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, or misuse of prescription medications by individuals aged roughly 10 to 19. This period of development is characterized by significant physical, psychological, and social transitions, rendering youth particularly vulnerable to […]
Introduction and Conceptual Definition Adolescent substance use refers to the consumption of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and illicit or misused prescription drugs, by individuals typically aged 10 to 19 years. This phenomenon is a critical concern in public health and developmental psychology, primarily because substance use during this formative period can profoundly disrupt […]
Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Abuse: An Encyclopedia Entry Adolescent substance use, encompassing the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit or non-prescribed psychoactive drugs, represents a significant public health crisis with profound implications for neurodevelopmental trajectory and lifelong health outcomes. The period of adolescence, defined roughly between the ages of 10 and 19, is characterized by […]
Defining Adolescent Substance Use and Abuse Adolescent substance use refers to the consumption of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, by individuals typically ranging in age from 10 to 19 years. This behavior exists on a complex continuum, ranging from experimental or occasional use, which may involve minor risk, to severe substance use […]