Teenage chemical dependence and the prevalence of psychiatric disorders: Issues for prevention

Abstract

Initial figures indicating teenage chemical use, misuse, and dependence with coexistent psychiatric disorder are investigated because of increasing dual diagnosis admissions to medical, chemical dependence, and psychiatric inpatient units. A group of chemically dependent adolescents is further studied in comparison to a group of nonchemically dependent high school students. Data shows significantly more suicide attempts, early childhood abuse incidents, previous psychiatric interventions, special education classifications, and familial divorce and familial alcoholism in the chemical dependency group. Links to dual diagnosis results are discussed. Primary and secondary prevention discussion and conclusions follow from the data and its elaboration.