Transitional-Age Youth With Substance Use Disorders

Young adulthood is a time of rapid biological, psychological, and social development. This complex mix of internal and external forces presents opportunities for incredible growth and for risky choices with long-term implications. Perhaps nowhere are the developmental conflicts of autonomy, identity, and risk-taking more salient for transitional-age youth (youth between the ages of 16 and 25 years) than in the area of substance use and misuse. This article aims to provide a clinically relevant review of the epidemiology, unique features, screening, assessment, and treatment of substance use disorders among transitional-age youth, with the goal of informing both the overall spirit of and specific approaches to the management of substance use disorders in this complex population. [Psychiatric Annals, 52(6), 222-226.]