Youth Substance Abuse and Co-occurring Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians and Researchers

Edited by Yifrah Kaminer, Youth Substance Abuse and Co-occurring Disorders takes a practical approach to addressing the complex needs of clinicians, researchers, and students in the fields of mental health, public health, and medicine. This comprehensive volume focuses on the critical issue of substance use disorders (SUDs) among adolescents, which often co-occur with other psychiatric disorders.

The Complexity of Co-occurring Disorders

Approximately 70-80% of adolescents with SUDs also exhibit comorbid psychopathology, also known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. This means that in addition to SUDs, they may have one or more co-occurring psychiatric disorders. The presence of these comorbidities can significantly complicate assessment and treatment, making it essential for clinicians to understand the intricacies of psychiatric comorbidity in this population.

A Comprehensive Resource for Clinicians and Researchers

This book provides clinicians with both theoretical and practical knowledge on the various approaches to SUDs and co-occurring disorders. It features contributions from prominent investigators in the field, offering a wealth of valuable insights and information. Key topics include:

• The etiology of SUDs, including the role of psychopathology and common vulnerabilities
• Developmental pathways and relationships between substance use and co-occurring psychiatric disorders
• Screening tools and interventions for SUDs and co-occurring disorders
• The full range of co-occurring disorders, including mood, anxiety, and disruptive behavior disorders
• Risk factors for the development of SUDs in adolescence, including psychiatric disorders in childhood

This book is ideal for instructional use, providing a thorough and up-to-date understanding of the complex relationships between SUDs and co-occurring disorders among youth.

A Call to Action for Advancing the Field

Youth Substance Abuse and Co-occurring Disorders is a clinically useful and scientifically rigorous resource that aims to stimulate further discussion and advancement of the field. By shedding light on the critical gaps in our understanding of SUDs and co-occurring disorders, this book can ultimately lead to improved and more effective services and intervention modalities for these youth.

Published by American Psychiatric Publishing in 2015, this valuable resource is essential reading for anyone working with adolescents with SUDs and co-occurring disorders.