Drug use peaks between 16-24 years and patterns of drug use in this group change rapidly with new drugs, or drug combinations, emerging regularly. Examples include nitrous oxide, prescription medications, LEAN and ketamine as well as the new ways in which these drugs are purchased including social media and the darknet.
Many of these emerging drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, destabilise existing mental health problems and complicate diagnosis and treatment. All psychiatrists working with young adults should have a basic understanding of the common drugs and this session will outline the drugs, their harms, how to ask about them and what approaches to take.
This session will help you:
- Understand the latest trends in drug use by young people.
- Understand the clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges of young people who use drugs.
- Be aware of the treatment options including harm reduction approaches specific to these drugs.
- Understand the challenges and solutions of delivering drug interventions to young people in contact with mental health services.
Chair: Owen Bowden-Jones, Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
John De Pury, Universities UK, United Kingdom
Owen Bowden-Jones, Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
Louise Theodosiou, Consultant Psychiatrist, Manchester, United Kingdom
