AAP encourages standard substance abuse screening

1. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages pediatricians to incorporate the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) practice to adolescent visits.

2. The AAP continues to advocate for greater funding, research, and expansion of programs related to decreasing adolescent substance abuse.

Rundown: Given the extensive direct and indirect public health burden of adolescent substance abuse, the need for adequate and effective screening and treatment continues to be a priority. The vast majority of adolescents have annual contact with their pediatrician and view their doctor as a source of knowledge about alcohol and drugs. This regular contact creates a tremendous opportunity for pediatricians to have great impact on the trajectory of their adolescent patients with regards to drug and alcohol use. As such, the AAP encourages pediatricians to become familiar with the effective SBIRT method and how they might incorporate this technique into their practice. Researchers are urged to continue exploring the most effective brief intervention, while insurance providers are encouraged to use their fiscal power to promote the use of this screening practice. Finally, the AAP advocates for equal access to mental health treatment for adolescents, compared with general care of adults and children.

Click to read the policy published today in Pediatrics

Click to read the accompanying clinical report published today in Pediatrics

Relevant Reading: Age at drinking onset and alcohol dependence: age at onset, duration, and severity

Image: PD

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