Handbook of Adolescent Behavioral Problems

Abstract

Adolescent substance misuse and abuse have been the changing focus of the popular press in the United States and the general public since the late 1970s. A bio/psycho/social/spiritual theoretical perspective proposes a way of thinking about substance misuse and abuse. Using that perspective, this chapter provides an overview of selected factors related to adolescent substance misuse and abuse including etiology, prevention, and treatment. The chapter also overviews selected factors at the individual level, family level, and social/community level, which have been found to be associated with adolescent substance use and misuse. In addition, promising adolescent drug abuse prevention and treatment interventions are presented.