ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE-ABUSE - A REVIEW OF THE PAST 10 YEARS

Objective: To review and synthesize the recent scientific literature o n adolescent substance abuse, covering natural history, epidemiology, etiology, comorbidity, assessment, treatment, and prevention, and to h ighlight areas for future research. Method: Studies of adolescent subs tance abuse were reviewed with the focus on substance abuse and depend ence rather than substance use. Results: There has been a sharp recent resurgence in adolescent drug use. Biological factors, including gene tic and temperament characteristics, as well as family environment fac tors, are emerging as important etiological variables. Comorbidity wit h other psychiatric disorders, particularly with conduct disorder, is frequent and complicates treatment. New assessment instruments are ava ilable for clinical and research use, Among treatment modalities, fami ly-based interventions have received the most study. Conclusions: The past decade has seen growth in the volume and sophistication of resear ch on adolescent substance abuse and in the conceptualization of this problem. Further research is needed, particularly on the significance of comorbid conditions and on individualized and effective treatment a pproaches.