Developing effective evidence-based interventions for adolescents with alcohol use disorders. Introduction

Reports data collected in the US National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2002, which revealed high rates of heavy drinking and binge drinking among young people aged 12-20 in the USA. Not only are these youths at high risk for serious accidents and negative social consequences, but some are also at risk for developing multiple behavioral disorders including alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Substance abuse treatments for adolescents are often transported from adult care and their efficacy has rarely been evaluated. Introduces a special supplement on the etiology of adolescent alcohol disorders, approaches to assessment and some of the major types of treatment that are relevant to adolescents with alcohol problems and disorders. (Quotes from original text)