Adolescence et addictions

Abstract

The adolescent consumes products in a festive, convivial or autotherapeutic way. Addictive behaviours have a clear tendency to increase since one to two decades. Since cognitive, bio-psycho-social and neurodevelopmental immaturity characterizes this age transition, the exposure to the more dangerous products can affect the development of the adolescent and induce both psychological and physical problems. The work of the pediatrician, aims to create with the young person as well as with the parents, a relationship of trust that favours the expression of the patient-substance relationship taking account all of the environmental factors. Addiction therapies for the adolescent must consider all of these parameters and should not only focus on the sole product and its somatic effects.