Abstract

Drug abuse among adolescents has emerged as a major global public health concern. Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by significant physical, emotional, psychological, and social changes. During this vulnerable phase, experimentation with psychoactive substances may occur due to curiosity, peer pressure, family influences, academic stress, mental health disorders, and easy availability of drugs. Substance abuse during adolescence can adversely affect brain development, academic performance, mental health, social relationships, and long-term health outcomes. Early initiation of drug use is associated with increased risk of addiction, psychiatric disorders, criminal behavior, and premature mortality. This review article discusses the epidemiology, risk factors, commonly abused substances, health consequences, prevention strategies, and management approaches related to adolescent drug abuse.

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Data Sharing Statement

Funding