What substances do adolescents most often abuse?
Substances frequently abused by adolescents include, but are not limited to, the following: • Alcohol • Marijuana • Hallucinogens • Cocaine • Amphetamines • Opiates • Anabolic steroids What causes substance abuse/chemical dependence? Substance-related disorders in adolescence are caused by multiple factors, including: • Genetic vulnerability • Environmental stressors • Social pressures • Individual personality characteristics • Psychiatric problems However, determining which of these factors are primary and which are secondary in adolescents has not been determined. Most of the knowledge available regarding substance use and abuse comes from studying adult populations. A lack of research involving adolescent substance use and abuse leaves many questions unanswered. Who is affected by substance abuse/chemical dependence? Parental and peer substance use are considered two of the more common factors contributing to adolescent substance use. In addition, alcohol use among adolescents has i
