Substance Use Disorders in Adolescents: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction:

Adolescence is a critical period of development during which young people are vulnerable to engaging in risky behaviors, including drug use. Early use of psychoactive substances can interfere with normal development and have both short-term and long-term social and health problems.

Objectives:

This case report aims to review important aspects of the substance abuse disorder treatment in teenage patients, based on the detailed description of a clinical case.

Methods:

Description of a clinical case of an 18-year-old patient who began using psychoactive substances at the age of 13. The information used in the review was gathered from relevant publications found through a selective search in PubMed on substance use disorders in children and adolescents.

Results:

This case report describes the substance use disorder of an 18-year-old female patient, who began using psychoactive substances at the age of 13. The patient had a history off loss of her mother, depressive symptoms and self-injurious behavior, which likely contributed to her increased risk for substance use. The patient's substance use began with tobacco and gradually progressed to cannabinoids, ecstasy, opioids, and cocaine.

Due to her continued substance use, she was referred for consultation at a specialized treatment team. The patient received a combination of psychotherapeutic interventions for substance use and individual therapy. The plan included also coordination with social work and psychology, and the involvement of the individual's family in the process.Despite these efforts, the patient was ultimately hospitalized for severe self-harm behaviors and entered a therapeutic community.

Discussion and Conclusion:

This case highlights the complexity of substance use disorders in adolescents and the importance of addressing multiple individual and environmental factors in order to effectively prevent and treat these disorders. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of early intervention and comprehensive treatment for adolescents struggling with substance use.