Alcohol, Substance Use, and Behavioral Addictions in Children and Adolescents: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Health and Wellbeing

Dear Colleagues,

Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and social changes. During this time, young people are particularly vulnerable to experimenting with psychoactive substances and engaging with technologies and digital media that, while not inherently addictive, can lead to problematic behaviors and increase susceptibility to behavioral addictions later in life. Drug use and digital media among adolescents remain a significant public health and social concern, with far-reaching implications for mental health, cognitive development, family relationships, and long-term well-being. While a substantial body of research has been published since the start of the pandemic, the social and developmental circumstances affecting young people have evolved considerably. This underlines the importance of this Special Issue, which examines this critical developmental stage, during which behaviors are formed that influence not only the present, but often persist in adulthood.

This Special Issue aims to promote interdisciplinary research into the psychological, social, cultural and environmental factors that influence adolescents on social media and drug use. Additionally, this Special Issue places particular emphasis on research addressing prevention and intervention strategies, educational programs, and policy initiatives aimed at reducing substance use and media use and its associated harms among young people. Contributions to this Special Issue may include empirical studies, systematic reviews, and theoretical analyses addressing contemporary challenges and innovations in this field. The Special Issue has two objectives: firstly, to integrate diverse perspectives; and secondly, to advance evidence-based knowledge. It is hoped that, by achieving these objectives, more effective prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies for at-risk adolescents will be developed.

Dr. Albert Espelt
Guest Editor

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