Drug abuse is a worldwide phenomenon and should be considered a serious public health issue. It is a great challenge to parents, doctors, educators and society in general.

Epidemiological studies on the use of alcohol and other substances have shown an alarming growth in the last decades. We have seen youngsters having their first experiences earlier in the transition phase from childhood to adolescence.

Very few teenagers happen to not be exposed to alcohol or any other drug. It is a common phenomenon in today’s youth. Usually the beginning takes place through the use of cigarettes, wine and beer (drugs which are legal to adults, socially accepted and easily obtained). These drugs lead to the use of marijuana, then cocaine, LSD and heroin among others.

When under the influence of alcohol and other substances, teenagers lose inhibition, critical judgment and motor reflexes which tend to be the main reasons for death in at least half of the car accidents, suicides, drowning and gun shots that take place.