More than 90 percent of adults with current substance use disorders started using before age 18, engaging in behaviors that affect healthy neurological and psychological development. This handbook provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the nature and extent of substance use by children and adolescents. The authors examine the direct impact on health, safety, and well being, as well as that of families and communities. This book will enable mental health professionals, students, and policy makers to develop effective prevention and treatment services for children and adolescents affected by substance abuse. Selected by Choice as a 2013 Outstanding Academic Title

More than 90 percent of adults with current substance use disorders started using before age 18, engaging in behaviors that affect healthy neurological and psychological development.This handbook provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the nature and extent of substance use by children and adolescents. The authors examine the direct impact on health, safety, and well being, as well as that of families and communities. This book will enable mental health professionals, students, and policy makers to develop effective prevention and treatment services for children and adolescents affected by substance abuse.* Selected by Choice as a 2013 Outstanding Academic Title

Section I Introduction.Chapter 1 The Nature and Extent of Substance Abuse.Chapter 2 Explaining Substance Use: A Review of PrevalentTheories.Section II Developmental Considerations.Chapter 3 Prenatal Exposure to Substances of Abuse.Chapter 4 Exposure and Use of Substances of Abuse During Infancyand Childhood.Chapter 5 Adolescent Substance Use.Section III Social Considerations.Chapter 6 Effects of Substance Use on Learning and Memory.Chapter 7 Substance-Related Accidents and Violence: Children andAdolescents as Victims.Chapter 8 Substance-Related Violence: Children and Adolescentsas Perpetrators.Chapter 9 Substance Use, and HIV Infection and AIDS.Section lV Clinical Considerations.Chapter 10 Identifying and Diagnosing Substance Use Disorders:Tools and Analysis.Chapter 11 Dual Diagnoses: Substance Use and Co-OccurringDiagnosis.Chapter 12 Preventing and Treating Substance Use Disorders:Promoting Successful Outcomes.