Screening for substance abuse in the office setting: a developmental approach

Abstract

Uptake of the use of alcohol and other drugs is best understood (and, therefore, addressed) as a developmental issue. A variety of risk and protective factors (personal, societal, genetic, etc.) play out across the span of childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, and an understanding of brain and cognitive development may make it easier for the pediatrician to put this into context and address the issue. A simple screening tool that focuses on 6 areas of concern is presented, one that may be used for assessment and educational purposes, as well.