Roadmap for Global Youth Substance Use Prevention, Screening, and Early Intervention Research

Globally, alcohol and other drug (AOD) use is among the top 10 leading causes of disability in young people (aged 10–24 years), accounting for a quarter of all years lived with disability in high-income as well as low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [1]. However, prevalence among and within countries varies considerably with regard to level, type, order of initiation of specific substances used, and subpopulations of young people most affected [[2], [3], [4]]. The extent of adverse sequelae overall is substantial, including motor vehicle–related and other unintentional injuries, mental health disorders and suicide, and educational and economic disruption. Although young people’s AOD use often depends on social context, availability of substances, and personal characteristics [3], recent data suggest major societal events may also play a key role, for example, the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated AOD use frequency and co-occurring problems [[5], [6], [7]]. In all cases, early identification and effective intervention are crucial.