Substance Use Disorder in an Adolescent Male with Early Childhood Adversity: A Case Study

This single case study describes a 19-year-old male with a history of parental conflict, childhood emotional distress, and subsequent substance use disorder involving methamphetamine and polysubstance use. The case explores the contribution of adverse childhood experiences, peer influence, family dynamics, and environmental stressors to the initiation and progression of substance use. It further highlights the psychological, social, and behavioral consequences of addiction, along with the challenges encountered in treatment adherence and relapse prevention. Clinical assessment, psychological evaluation, and therapeutic interventions, including individual counselling, family support, and brief residential rehabilitation, are presented. The patient demonstrated partial recovery following psychosocial interventions and a significant environmental change facilitated by family involvement. This case underscores the importance of early identification of psychosocial risk factors, comprehensive assessment, family-centered interventions, and sustained follow-up in the management of substance use disorders among young adults.