Etiology of adolescent substance abuse: a developmental perspective

Approximately 5% of adolescents in the U.S. qualify for a diagnosis of substance use disorder (SUD). Low affect and behavior self-regulation during child development interacting with family, peer and other ecological factors predisposes to substance use in adolescence. Maturational processes during adolescence, particularly involving the brain and reproductive system, exacerbate the low psychological self-regulation evidenced during childhood to promote initiation of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) consumption. This discussion examines the etiology of ATOD abuse and SUD from a developmental perspective. The ramifications of a developmental perspective for clinical practice and social policy are also considered.