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Abstract Introduction: Substance Abuse and dependence cause a significant burden on societies and individuals across the globe. The World Health Report 2002 has indicated that psychoactive substances cause a burden of 8.9% of the total burden of disease. Psychiatric disorders that are untreated in adolescence and childhood, then lead to substance abuse in adulthood as a coping mechanism by patients. Aim of the study: to investigate the rate of occurrence and the types of psychiatric disorders and psychosocial variables that coexist with drug dependence. As well as, to assess the role of stress on substance abuse in adolescents and young adults. Patient and methods: This study was conducted on 70 patients who are diagnosed with substance use disorder according to DSM IV between the ages of 15 and 21, who presented to the Substance treatment program at the Institute of Psychiatry of Ain Shams University hospitals over a period of 12 months. Results: In this study, 100% were males and 87.1% were smokers. 47.1% exhibited a positive family history of substance abuse and Hash was the most commonly abused substance. Conclusion: Comorbidity of substance abuse with psychiatric disorders is the rule and untreated psychiatric disorders often predate SUD. |