Substance use disorders

Abstract

Many young people experiment with alcohol and substance use, and the majority will not go on to have long term difficulties. Alcohol (binge drinking) is the most common form of problematic substance use in New Zealand. Cannabis is the most common illicit substance used by New Zealand young people. Effective interventions include motivational approaches, CBT, and family and systemic therapies, with multi-modal interventions indicated for severe or longstanding difficulties.