Alcoolismo e tabagismo em adolescentes / Alcohol and tobacco consuption among adolescents

A adolescência é uma fase de vulnerabilidade para uso de risco de álcool e tabaco. Estudos epidemiológicos mostram que acerca de 23% dos adolescentes brasileiros fazem uso de drogas, sendo o álcool a substância mais consumida e de início mais precoce, Os adolescentes estão sujeitos a consequências de prejuízos importantes. A patogênese do uso de risco é complexa e multifatorial, composta de genética, grau de desenvolvimento do indivíduo, ambiente, contexto de uso e substância utilizada, havendo interação entre estes fatores. A imprecisão dos critérios diagnósticos empregados pode ser substituída por um espectro de níveis de gravidade de uso de álcool e tabaco. O clínico deve considerar os critérios diagnósticos, além das mudanças de comportamento que podem indicar seu uso e suas consequências nas diversas áreas da vida do adolescente. A avaliação de risco deve sempre estar presente nas consultas e nortear as condutas do profissional. As intervenções devem reduzir ao máximo o contato do paciente com as drogas e, no caso de uso, prevenir a evolução do consumo para padrões mais graves de abuso ou dependência. A avaliação e o tratamento de comorbidades são fundamentais no manejo do tratamento nesta faixa etária e o encaminhamento para um especialista deve ser considerado nos casos de maior risco. A intervenção deve ser abrangente, incluindo atividades escolares e profissionalizantes, relacionamentos sociais, atividades de lazer, fundamentais para a retomada do desenvolvimento normal do adolescente.

Adolescence is a period of vulnerability to risk the use of alcohol and tobacco. Epidemiological studies show that approximately 23 of Brazilian teenager are using drugs and alcohol which is the most consumed substance at a more precocious beginning. Teens are subject to consequences of serious damage. The pathogenesis of risk use is complex and multifactorial composed of genetics, degree of development of the individual, environment the contexto of use, and the substances used, plus the fact there is the interaction between these factors. The inaccuracy of the diagnostic used may be replaced by a spectrum of severity levels of use of alcohol and tobacco. The clinician should consider diagnostic criteria, in addition to the changes in behavior that may indicate their use and the consequences in several áreas of the life of the teenager. The risk assessment should alwas be presente in the consultations in order to guide the professional conduct. Interventions should reduce the patient's contact with drugs and, in case of use, prevent the increase of consumption for more severe patterns of abuse or dependency properties. The evaluation and treatment of comorbidities are essential in order to manage the treatment of this age group and the referral to a specialist should be considered in case of increased risk. The intervention must be comprehensive, including school and vocational activities, social relationship, leisure activities which are essential for the resumption of normal adolescente development.

Use of psychoactive substances by adolescents: current panorama

Adolescence is a period of vulnerability to substance use disorders (SUDs). Epidemiological studies indicate that about 23% of Brazilian adolescents use drugs, with alcohol being the most widely consumed substance. The etiology of SUDs is complex, influenced by an interaction of genetic risk, individual development, environmental factors, context of use, and substance used. Clinicians should consider diagnostic criteria and be aware of behavioral changes that may indicate drug use and its consequences in various aspects of adolescent life. Identification and treatment of comorbid conditions is critical to the management of SUDs in this age group. Interventions should restrict access to drugs and facilitate prompt recognition of initial use, preventing progression to serious patterns of abuse or dependence. Intervention should be broad, including academic and occupational activities as well as social relationships and leisure, which are critical to the reestablishment of normal adolescent development.