[Substance addiction in children and adolescents]

Youngsters in Germany are becoming addicted at an ever younger age--not only to alcohol and tobacco, but also to illegal drugs. The underlying causes are manifold: in the first place peer duress, curiosity and a search for solace render the child susceptible to the promise of the "panacea". It is of importance to distinguish between "dependency syndrome" and "harmful use". The diagnosis of substance dependence is based on typical clinical features and on detection of the substance in the blood or urine. If dependence is present, the first step is usually detoxification, with efforts undertaken to initiate a competent pediatric/adolescent psychiatric diagnostic work-up and treatment as early as possible. The leading preventive measure is to provide relevant instruction on the dangers of the legal drugs alcohol and tobacco.