Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to give meaning and insight into some of the key drug and alcohol issues that affect children from the perspectives of the children themselves. It is not to estimate the relative magnitude of a specific drug or alcohol problem or the numbers of children affected by it. Each section of this paper is preceded by one or two key statistics and whilst the quotations that follow may highlight a need to develop more robust and detailed statistics on a key issue, the overriding objective is to give the children a voice.

Abstract: Recent major epidemiological surveys in general population samples throughout the world have demonstrated that substance use disorders are among the most frequent forms of mental disorders in the community, and are also frequently associated with other forms of mental disorders. This paper briefly reviews the concept of comorbidity and summarizes more recent data concerning the frequency of comorbidity of substance use disorders. The review is limited to studies in the general population using standardized diagnostic interviews. Specific emphasis is laid upon the most recent data from the National Comorbidity Survey, that specifically addressed comorbidity issues in detail. The clear majority of subjects with a definite substance use disorder according to the strict DSM-III-R definition has or has had at least one other comorbid mental disorder. Comorbidity rates between specific substance use disorders and other mental disorders will be compared and discussed in light of several other international epidemiological studies. Furthermore time sequences of substance use disorders and comorbid disorders are presented. Potential pathogenetic and clinical implications are addressed.

Abstract: Benzodiazepine use among injecting drug users (IDUs) presents a major clinical and public health problem that may increase in importance. The current paper examines the research on the extent of benzodiazepine use among IDUs and the harmful consequences associated with such use. Numerous studies have found benzodiazepine use to be widespread among IDUs, and to be associated with greater levels of risk-taking and polydrug use, and poorer psychosocial functioning than other IDUs. The injection of benzodiazepines has also been reported, and presents problems in itself. The implications of existing research for both clinical practice and research are discussed.