Psychiatric issues of adolescent chemical dependence

Pediatricians, as well as other health care professionals, must always consider psychoactive drug use by adolescents as possible causes of general health or emotional problems, such as poor appetite, insomnia, problem behavior, academic underachievement, and loss of energy and motivation. Early diagnosis and intervention with youth can result in enormous benefits for the lives of the youth, families, and society. The physician must be alert to the adolescent who manifests such signs of abuse. This article details the recognition and management of these problems.