Substance abuse and dependence in adolescents

This manuscript reviews literature on the prevalence/frequency, risk factor s, course and outcome of substance use disorders in adolescents. Recent epi demiological studies conducted in various parts of the world have indicated a high frequency of substance use disorders in adolescents, with values ra nging From 5 to 8%; the rate for alcohol abuse and dependence range from 2 to 32%, and for drugs from 5 to 10%. Substance use disorders were significa ntly higher in males than in females, and that they increased with age. Oth er risk factors commonly reported for substance use disorders include biolo gical, familial, and social factors. Several intervention and prevention pr ograms are presented and discussed.