Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are prevalent among transitional-age youth. They are directly responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality within this age group and those who continue substance use into their adult lives. SUD is a chronic medical condition that can develop with a wide variety of substances, each of which has unique epidemiology, pharmacology, and treatment approaches. All clinicians caring for adolescents and young adults should be prepared to identify substance use disorders and support affected persons by reducing harm and accessing treatment services. In many cases, integrating screening and initial treatment services into general practice settings is possible. However, multidisciplinary approaches are generally most effective at helping affected persons achieve recovery.