Risk Factors for Drug Dependence in Adolescents

You should routinely screen adolescents and young adults for substance use since they are at a high risk and since early intervention can significantly reduce health problems and costs associated with serious drug problems.

Look for these risk factors of substance abuse among adolescent patients

  • substance abuse by a parent
  • physical or sexual abuse
  • smoking tobacco
  • a dysfunctional family
  • peers involved with drugs or alcohol (SAMHSA, 1997)
View ReferencesHide References
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. A Guide to Substance Abuse Services for Primary Care Clinicians. Rockville, Md: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 1997.


Related Resources: 
Risk and Protective Factors in Drug Abuse Prevention
Description: 
This is a brief list of risk and protective factors to look for when evaluating patients for substance abuse.
Source: 
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
4.666665
Your rating: None Average: 4.7 (3 votes)
Tags: