Substance Use and Abuse in Adolescence: Causes, Consequences, and Challenges

The behaviors that contribute to substance abuse commonly have their onset in adolescence; consequently, during this period initiation of use and escalation of use are of as much interest as symptoms of clinical abuse and dependence. Substance use in this period is associated with negative health and social outcomes in later life, and is also a large contributor to adolescent mortality and burden of disease. Research into the causes of adolescent substance use and abuse highlights a number of social influences, and also a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. However, substance use and abuse are distinct from most other mental health issues in that a necessary environmental exposure—exposure to the substance of choice—must occur. Prevention and intervention can be enacted at the levels of both individual and public health, and there is potential for emerging developments in patterns of use to be leveraged in the future for improved harm reduction.