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Substance use by children and adolescents
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Substance use disorders are quite common in children, especially during adolescence. Regardless of economic or ethnic background, the most commonly used substances are alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Use of other drugs, such as amphetamines and methamphetamine, inhalants, hallucinogens, cocaine, anabolic steroids, opioids, and so-called dating drugs (e.g., MDMA, ketamine, gamma hydroxybutyrate), is less common, and the prevalence of each varies over time. There is growing concern about the increasing incidence of indiscriminate mixing of club and dating drugs at parties.
Children and adolescents use drugs for a variety of reasons. Some may do so as an attempt to escape from a situation of constant pressure (parental, social pressure) or as a challenge to authority. Another commonly cited reason is peer influence and the media's portrayal of substances such as alcohol. Parents' own attitudes and examples of alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs and other substance use are also significant. Primary care physicians should be prepared to provide adequate screening and counselling for their adolescent patients and refer patients to other specialist services as needed.