Substance-use disorders in young people: Evidence-based prevention and treatment

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) represent the single largest modifiable disease burden in industrialised countries. They have a significant impact on psychological, physical and social functioning. Health psychologists are well placed to provide prevention and treatment programs that reduce the likelihood of harm associated with SUDs. The key goal of this chapter is to update health psychologists and allied professionals on the latest evidence-based interventions, and exciting new directions for prevention and treatment in the Australian context. The chapter focuses on adolescents and young adults, given that these years are when substance use begins, disorders take hold, and erosions in physical and social wellbeing frequently surface