According
to the World Health Organization, adolescence is the phase of life
between childhood and adulthood, from ages 10 to 19. It is a unique
stage of human development and an important time for laying the
foundations of good health. Adolescents experience rapid physical,
cognitive and psychosocial growth. This affects how they feel, think,
make decisions, and interact with the world around them.
The
Division of Mental Health is committed to addressing the systemic needs
of youth and young adults aged 16 – 25 with behavioral health and/or
substance use issues by working to ensure they have access to services
that are more inclusive, person-centered, and relative to their age and
experiences.
In
light of the unique mental health and substance use needs of young
people ranging from 10 – 25, adolescence is a tumultuous time as youth
attempt to define themselves and become more independent. Most youth
progress through the various milestones with little to no difficulty;
however, for some, adolescence is the period during which behavioral and
emotional difficulties emerge or are exacerbated.
In
fact, a recent study estimated that 8 percent of adolescents have a
serious emotional disturbance, and 10 percent report having used an
illicit drug in the past month.
The
University of Kentucky Center on Drug and Alcohol Research states that
the neurodevelopment of the brain renders the adolescent brain more
vulnerable to addiction than the adult brain, therefore making the
effects of substance use more damaging to adolescents' brains than to
adults' brains in many ways, and in some cases may have long-lasting
effects. Early and effective treatment for substance abuse among
adolescents is a high-priority public health problem.
Resources for Providers