NIH: Drug Use Severity in Adolescence Affects SUD Risk in Adulthood

A new National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study shows screening for substance use disorder (SUD) in teens may help predict adult prescription drug use and misuse and prevent overdose. The study found that people who reported multiple symptoms consistent with an SUD at age 18 would later exhibit two or more of these symptoms in adulthood. These individuals were also more likely, as adults, to use and misuse prescription medications, as well as self-treat with opioids, sedatives, or tranquillizers.