This session will enable you to understand the concepts of substance use, substance misuse and substance abuse. It will describe the effects of misuse of common substances. It will also describe the value and consequences of substance misuse for adolescents. This session will be most useful for GP's or those working in the community.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Define the concepts of substance use, misuse and abuse
• Describe the effects of misuse of common substances
• Recognise the value of substance misuse from an adolescent’s viewpoint
• Identify the consequences of substance use and misuse at the physical, cognitive, psychosocial and legal levels

Substance misuse, including the misuse of alcohol, tobacco, inhalants and other drugs, is widespread among adolescents both in the UK and internationally. The rates of alcohol and cannabis misuse in boys and girls, under sixteen years in the UK, are among the highest in Europe.