About Substance Abuse
How common is it?
What causes it?
How long does it last?
What are the long-term consequences?
What treatments are effective?
A review of the evidence
What's new?
Resources

How long does it last?
Some older children and teens try illicit drugs only once or, at most, a few times.  A smaller group may go on to become chronic users, becoming addicted to cocaine, heroin, tobacco, or alcohol, and may need long-term treatment. 

Substance use that begins in late childhood or early adolescence is more likely to persist and be more severe in adulthood. 

 

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