ABSTRACT
Along with other risk taking behaviors that increase in the preadolescent and adolescent years, substance abuse remains a significant source of concern for parents, health-care providers, and other professionals working with children. Significant morbidity and mortality remain associated with illicit drug use, including automobile accidents (30% of teen fatalities are associated with elevated blood alcohol levels, i.e., BAL), drownings, and other accidents. Coma or death due to intoxication and overdosage by use of one or more agents may occur at lower dosages of the ingested drug(s) or alcohol for teens compared to adults. Adolescents often consume larger quantities of alcohol and other substances quickly, seeking a rapid state of intoxication or euphoria. Such patterns of use (binging or chugging) may lead to death or irreversible brain damage.
