Long-Term Outcomes of Adolescent Outpatient Treatment for Substance Use Problems: Exploring the Co-occurrence of Mental Health and Substance Use Problems

Abstract

Adolescents with substance use problems (SUP) constitute a group expected to face increased mental health problems (MHP). SUP can exacerbate mental health issues while also serving as a coping mechanism. Understanding the interplay between psychological, substance-related, and social factors is crucial for shaping effective interventions for this demographic. This article presents a three-year follow-up study with adolescents who had outpatient treatment for SUP, focusing on MHP and psychiatric conditions.

Keywords

• adolescents
• substance use problems (sup)
• mental health problems (mhp)
• co-occurring problems
• longitudinal study