Substance Use in Youth: What Could an Ounce of Prevention Be Worth?

Abstract

Risk for substance use disorders begins early in life. Approximately 65% of adults in treatment of opioid use disorder report that their first use occurred before the age of 25; for adult daily smokers, the estimate is 90%. As experimental use of substances transitions to regular use and problematic use, and ultimately to a use disorder, abstinence becomes increasingly difficult to achieve; many risks, including unintentional injury, damaged relationships, and even lasting alterations to a youth’s developing brain, have likely already occurred. For these reasons, preventing substance use among children, adolescents, and young adults is critical.