Substance Abuse in Children and Youth

The misuse of any substance that impacts brain chemistry can be considered substance abuse.  Substance abuse creates a risk of the development of substance dependence.  Children and youth with substance dependence develop a tolerance to the substance that results in the need for increased amounts in order to achieve the desired effect. 

Different substance lend themselves to different groups of symptoms.  The glaring symptom in almost all cases is a change, sometimes a radical one, in behavior.  Other signs of substance abuse are: irritability, depressed mood, slurred speech, memory impairment, lack of coordination, and impairment in attention.

As with any illness or medical problem, early intervention and treatment of a child's substance abuse raises the chances of successful results.  The sooner the child gets help, the less harm his or her drug or alcohol use may cause and the better his/her chances are of developing a healthy, safe, and drug-free lifestyle.

Click here for Mental Health quick fact sheet on Substance Abuse in Children and Youth

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