ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides the historical context of substance use and misuse by young people and an overview of epidemiology. Most young people who drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or use illicit drugs do not suffer serious harm, but the problems of the minority that do so in their adolescent years can be complex to manage. The book presents a summary of the construct of resilience and the interconnection between psychosocial resilience and substance use and recovery during adolescence. It explores how people cope with growing up in adolescence and early adulthood and the challenges they face. The book discusses some critically important matters that impact on young people’s relationships with substances and their clinical needs, before considering the implications of these topics for caring for and treating young people.
