Young Drug Users: Early intervention

Abstract

With the increase in drug use and abuse among young people special 'high risk' populations merit particular consideration. Those with substance use disorder commonly have co-morbid psychiatric problems, present with complex needs that require more intensive interventions, specific expertise, training and a variety of appropriate services. Barriers to treatment effectiveness may result from inappropriate and inaccessible services and poor co-ordination between adult and child services. A thorough assessment is important for treatment planning. The variety of settings and effectiveness of treatment modalities are reviewed. The relative lack of well-controlled empirical studies focusing on treatment approaches specifically for young people with drug and alcohol abuse and co-morbid psycho-social problems is discussed. Engagement and retention of these 'high risk' young people in services requires a new collaboration between agencies with a common strategic vision. There is a particular need to research and rigorously evaluate new treatment approaches and different models of service delivery.