| Abstract: | Substance abuse represents a major concern to our society. Although no one sector of our populace is immune to the effects of substance use, perhaps nowhere is the risk greater than for adolescents. The various physiological changes, psychosocial stressors and emotional factors confronting adolescents seem to make them particularly susceptible to adverse effects of alcohol and drugs. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to describe the phenomena of substance abuse among adolescents and to discuss its implications for special service providers in schools. In particular, emphasis will be placed on examining substance abuse in k-risk populations including handicapped adolescents. Implications are considered for school-based prevention and treatment approaches. |
