Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders

Alcohol and substance use disorders refer to health and behavioral problems that arise as a result of excessive and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol or narcotic substances. Substance use disorders usually begin during adolescence, and as the age of onset decreases, the risk of addiction also increases. Genetic predisposition plays an important role. Having substance use in the family can increase the risk by 40%. Adolescence is a riskier period because the reward system is overly sensitive and impulse control and decision-making mechanisms related to risk-taking have not yet fully developed during adolescence.

Family conflicts, neglect, abuse, parental substance use, insufficient parental supervision, inconsistent discipline, peer pressure, low self-esteem, low capacity to cope with stress, male gender, early childhood behavioral problems and psychiatric diagnoses such as ADHD, low academic achievement, history of trauma, temperamental characteristics such as low harm avoidance and high novelty seeking, having a peer group that uses substances, easy access to substances, and low socioeconomic level are among the factors that increase the risk of alcohol and substance use.

On the other hand, strong academic competence and school attachment, well-developed social skills, positive self-perception, good problem-solving and coping skills, positive future goals, strong parent-child bond, consistent discipline and supervision, open family communication, family support and love, structured social activities, and access to community resources can be listed as protective factors against alcohol and substance use.

Warning signs that suggest alcohol and substance use include decline in academic performance, behavioral changes such as irritability and withdrawal, sudden changes in friend group, neglect of physical appearance, changes in sleep patterns, loss of medication or money at home, loss of control, deterioration in social functioning, risk-taking behaviors, and appearance of withdrawal symptoms.

Research has shown that at least one psychiatric disorder accompanies substance use disorder in adolescents at a rate of 60%. These include conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, depression and anxiety disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and bipolar disorder.

Among treatment methods, psychosocial interventions are the first step. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, and family-based interventions are among the therapeutic interventions used. Pharmacological treatments are more limited in children and adolescents compared to adults.