Abstract
Adolescent alcohol and other drug (AOD) involvement has become a significant public health concern that has been linked to substantial increases in vehicular accidents, sexually transmitted diseases, underachievement, criminal behavior, and health care costs. These detrimental ramifications not only have an impact on the adolescent, but also place significant burden on families, and society as a whole. Despite community prevention efforts, AOD use remains seemingly ubiquitous throughout the United States. The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s results from the Monitoring the Future Study (2003) show that 37% of 8th graders and 71% of 12th graders have used alcohol in the past year. Illicit drug use among teens over the past 12 months is reported at 15% for 8th graders and 39% for 12th graders. Multiple factors have been associated with AOD use and more serious involvement that can lead to abuse (e.g., binge drinking) or dependence (e.g., loss of control) among adolescents. These factors include a range of psychosocial and genetic influences. Following, we outline the factors associated with adolescent AOD involvement, and identifies areas in which early prevention initiatives should be targeted.
Published Version
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