Substance Misuse in Young People

doi:10.1017/9781009110266.015

Chapter 15 - Substance Misuse in Young People

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 October 2025

Paul McArdle and

Eilish Gilvarry

Edited by

Shermin Imran

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Shermin Imran: Affiliation:
Greater Manchester NHS Foundation Trust

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Summary

The prevalence, morbidity and mortality of youth substance misuse should mandate public health prioritisation worldwide. Roots in multiple adversity and child mental health problems point to substance misuse as an indicator of the underlying vulnerability of populations, in which case young people in the developed world are not doing so well. Child services should screen and assess all youth for substance use. Investment in the development of new treatments has shown that interventions can be moderately effective, likely to share core characteristics, and given will, training and resources are readily deployable. However, all studies show a substantial subset had not improved following intervention, so that enormous scientific and cultural challenges persist.

Keywords

youth substance misuse public health adversity child mental health vulnerability screening treatment interventions effectiveness challenges prevention

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Type: Chapter
Information: Seminars in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , pp. 231 - 243

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009110266.015 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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