Substance use in adolescents: Considerations for medical practice

Abstract

Substance abuse among young adults and teenagers represents a considerable health issue, as substance use can be associated to serious injuries, accidents, disabilities, substance use and other psychiatric disorders, suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior, sexual risk practices, among others. In the last years, this health problem has been increasing significantly. The objective of this article is to present a review of general aspects of substance abuse in adolescents, such as: epidemiology, risk factors, screening, evaluation, diagnosis, some considerations for referral and general hospital treatment. As a result, it was found that several risk factors have been identified, such as individual, family and environmental factors. Also, strategies for early detection, counsel and reference to integrated treatment known as SBIRT (Screnning, Brief Intervention, Reference to Treatment) were identified. Finally, it is concluded that the implementation of SBIRT programs in general hospital are effective to improve the link between general hospital services to specialized programs for the treatment of substance use disorders.