Differences between early and late onset of substance abuse: an inpatient experience.

Of 100 consecutive patients admitted to an inpatient alcohol and drug abuse ward, approximately four fifths reported the onset of substance use before 18 years of age. The majority used both alcohol and drugs, and had a history of problems with school authorities and suicidal ideation. We found general and sex-specific patterns of substance use among both depressed and nondepressed substance users and abusers.