Do mental health and substance abuse problems in childhood and adolescence affect the maturation of the individual?
We often see that the early development of anxiety, depression, thinking problems, behavior problems, when compounded by early use of drugs and alcohol, interfere with the development of a mature, stable, functional personality and sense of self. I have identified several common personality immaturities that may result from childhood and adolescent mental health/alcohol and other drug abuse problems. Each is normal in a young child: Low frustration tolerance: Trouble working hard, and sticking to it, when gratification is not immediate. Lying to avoid punishment. Hostile dependency: A dependent person, unable to do things on their own, may have trouble developing a confident, independent self. Continued dependency may be expressed as hostility toward the very people whose help they need, such as parents. Hostile dependency, although often directed against others, may really be directed against the self. In extreme cases it can lead to a suicide attempt. Limit testing: All children test
