ABSTRACT
Emerging adulthood is the developmental transition period between adolescence and adulthood, during which expansive and rapid biopsychosocial changes occur. Emerging adulthood carries with it the highest risk for alcohol and drug use problems during the lifespan. This chapter begins by providing a developmental framework for understanding emerging adulthood, with an emphasis on unique characteristics and challenges which contribute to the elevated risk for substance use problems. Next, we examine prevalence and trends in substance use and substance use problems among emerging adults, with attention to subgroup variation. We follow this with a review of developmentally appropriate intervention approaches, considering factors that may directly impact treatment seeking and engagement. We also describe novel areas of research and note marginalized subgroups particularly likely to experience substance use problems. We conclude the chapter with a summary of key points relevant to social work.
