Introduction

Adolescent substance use is not a new phenomenon. It is routinely referenced in fi lm and music. So common has it become that many people simply view it as a rite of passage – something every teen has to go through and come out the far side of. While this viewpoint is understandable in ways, it is important that we do not lose sight of the potentially disastrous effects that substance use can have for some teenagers. The repercussions can be drastic, including overdose, accidental injuries and criminal charges. For most teenagers who use substances, the negative effects tend to be less dramatic. Consequences such as poor school performance, early exit from education, dropping out of healthy activities such as sport and damage to family relationships are more usual. The effects of substance use will be discussed in more detail in the next chapter but, for now, consider the case example presented here.