title: Heavy cocaine use by adolescents.
abstract: Adolescents are susceptible to becoming cocaine users. Twenty-eight teenagers in a drug rehabilitation program were identified as heavy cocaine users and questioned about their experiences. They reported family conflict leading to running away (86%), school drop-out (24%) and delinquent behaviors such as stealing (96%) and vandalism (57%). Cocaine use started at 14 years for 21%, with progression from onset to at least weekly use within eight weeks (54%). Side effects included sleep disturbance (18%) and tolerance to cocaine (25%). Withdrawal was characterized by cocaine craving up to one month later (93%). The majority (96%) were polydrug abusers. Possible causes of teen substance abuse are discussed, and the importance of prevention is emphasized.
authors.affiliation: Children's Medical Center University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003042:Cocaine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D003042:Cocaine