An analysis of stressors and co-morbid mental health problems that contribute to youth's paths to substance-specific services

J Behav Health Serv Res. 2001 Nov;28(4):412-26. doi: 10.1007/BF02287772.

Abstract

Substance-specific services are tailored to address the inappropriate use of chemicals such as alcohol and marijuana. Unfortunately, few teens ever access such need-based services. This article explores the paths to substance-specific service use in a sample of urban adolescents who are public service sector users: a direct path from substance misuse and an indirect path from general mental health service use. Results indicate that even though a significant percentage of youths frequently consume substances and display negative use-related behaviors, few actually received substance-specific services. Contributors to the substance misuse path included youths' family substance dependence and environmental stressors. Contributors to the mental health services path were comorbid depression and substance misuse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Comorbidity
  • Family Relations
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Mental Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Public Sector / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Assessment
  • Social Environment
  • Stress, Psychological / complications*
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation
  • United States
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*