Events precipitating hospital treatment of adolescent drug abusers

Recognition of and response to child and teenage drug abuse is poor. It seems that behavioral crises are necessary to bring a child and family to treatment, often after an extensive history of drug abuse. This study examines the events that occur immediately before hospitalization and lead to admission. Clusters of precipitating factors and psychosocial problems appear to accompany the use of alcohol and drugs. Recognition of these predictable behavior patterns (syndromes) may prove a more sensitive index of drug involvement than direct signs or sequalae of intoxication.