Preventing Substance Use Disorders in Children and Youth
October 11, 2007Summary:
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are conditions involving a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to adverse consequences.
Both prevention and treatment are important elements of a public policy response to SUDs in children and youth. Since the individual and social costs associated with SUDs are significant, preventing such problems in the early years should be a priority. Prevention may be achieved through programs aimed at enhancing protective factors or mitigating risk factors to reduce the number of children and youth who experience substance use problems.