Etiology of Substance Use Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Emerging Findings from the Center for Education and Drug Abuse Research

Dive deep into the complex origins of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in young people with "Etiology of Substance Use Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Emerging Findings from the Center for Education and Drug Abuse Research," a groundbreaking exploration co-authored by leading experts Ralph Tarter and Michael Van Yukov. This meticulously researched and insightful book, published by Routledge, offers a multidisciplinary perspective, weaving together genetic, endocrine, neurological, behavioral, familial, and environmental factors to paint a comprehensive picture of SUD's development. Moving beyond simplistic explanations, Tarter and Van Yukov present a novel theoretical framework designed to enhance our understanding of SUD through a developmental lens. This framework serves as a powerful tool for researchers and clinicians alike, providing a structure for analyzing the intricate interplay of factors that contribute to substance abuse in children and adolescents. The book doesn't just present theory; it delivers tangible, cutting-edge research results emanating from the Center for Education and Drug Abuse Research (CEDAR). These findings offer practical insights into identifying young individuals at heightened risk for SUD, paving the way for targeted prevention strategies tailored to their specific needs. "Etiology of Substance Use Disorder in Children and Adolescents" is a crucial resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the underpinnings of addiction. It confronts the critical questions surrounding the early development of substance abuse, offering valuable knowledge for psychologists, sociologists, medical professionals, educators, and anyone working with at-risk youth. Within its pages, you'll discover in-depth investigations into: * **The predictive validity of the Drug Use Screening Inventory (DUSI)**: An analysis of how effectively this widely used tool can identify future SUD risk. * **The Dysregulation Inventory:** Exploration of a new scale designed to assess an individual's susceptibility to SUD, offering a potentially more nuanced understanding of risk factors. * **Diachronic assessment:** Examining how assessments over time can provide a more complete picture of risk development. * **Genetic predispositions:** An examination of the relationship between the dopamine receptor D5 gene and susceptibility to substance dependence. * **The impact of childhood dysregulation:** Investigating how behavioral and emotional dysregulation in childhood can contribute to tobacco smoking during adolescence. * **The complex interplay of sexual maturation and sensation-seeking:** Understanding how these factors interact in adolescent children of substance-abusing parents. While published in 2002, the core principles and research methodologies presented in this volume remain highly relevant and influential in the field of addiction research. This book is not just a collection of research papers; it is a cohesive narrative that illuminates the complex pathway to substance use disorder, offering both theoretical insights and practical applications for prevention and intervention. It serves as a testament to CEDAR's mission to unravel the mysteries of SUD etiology, and its continued relevance makes it an essential addition to any professional's library. Understanding the root causes of addiction in children and adolescents is the first step towards building a healthier future for them.