title: Drug abuse in adolescents. When to intervene, how to help.
abstract: Abuse of alcohol and other drugs by adolescents is a major societal problem. For many adolescents, drug use signals departure from childhood and acceptance by peers. Diagnosis is often difficult and depends on a high index of suspicion and an understanding of the typical clinical and psychological course of drug use. Family involvement in treatment is vital and directly affects recovery rates of adolescent drug abusers. An effective treatment program insists on abstinence, and peer group involvement is extremely valuable. Careful follow-up is essential to prevent or detect relapse.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D006801:Humans; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy