What You Need to Know About Youth & Polysubstance

Polysubstance or polydrug use is defined as the use of more than one substance or type of substance by an individual — consumed at the same time or sequentially (i.e., one after another). This can include the use of alcohol, tobacco products, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, marijuana or other federally illicit drugs such as cocaine or ecstasy. Polysubstance use is more common among youth than adults. Initiation of polysubstance use, even on a limited basis during youth, confers an increased risk of expanded polysubstance use in early adulthood.