The repeated and regular recreational use of alcohol and drugs by adolescents can be marked by physical symptoms, such as red eyes, a persistent cough, and change in eating and sleeping habits, and changes in lifestyle such as a drop in school performance, delinquent behavior, and deterioration in family relationships. An estimated 7.8% of 12- to 17-year-olds and 18.4% of 18- to 25- year-olds are classified as abusing or dependent on alcohol or illicit drugs. The abuse of drugs and alcohol is associated with increases in suicidal behavior and violent behavior toward others.

COMMISSION MEMBERS

James A. Anthony, Ph.D., Michigan State University

Kathleen Carroll, Ph.D., Yale University

Anna Rose Childress, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Charles Dackis, M.D., University of Pennsylvania

Guy Diamond, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Robert Hornik, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Lloyd Johnston, Ph.D., University of Michigan

Reese Jones, M.D., University of California at San Francisco

George Koob, Ph.D., Scripps Research Institute

Thomas Kosten, M.D., Yale University

Caryn Lerman, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

A. Thomas McLellan, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Howard Moss, M.D., University of Pennsylvania

Helen Pettinati, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Richard Spoth, Ph.D., Iowa State University