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Identifying and Addressing Pediatric Substance Misuse
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January is often associated with setting goals and changing unhealthy habits. This year, you can be the change agent for many teens struggling with substance use. It is a common high-risk behavior in youth associated with poor outcomes. It is often overlooked for the problem it really is. While adolescence is a time for exploration, substance use during this age group has many deleterious effects on decision making, mood, and learning. It is a significant risk factor for the development of substance misuse later in life. Early identification and initial steps towards changing the usage of substances can take place in the primary care office.
In December 2020, the CDC released data from the Monitoring the Future Survey. The annual survey found that past year vaping and marijuana use has remained steady compared to use in 2019. Alcohol use has also remained near levels of 2019 with 55% of youth reporting alcohol use in the past year. Fatalities from substance use are not limited to the adolescent population. A recent publication from the American Academy of Pediatrics found an increase in drug overdoses in children ages birth to ten and ages eleven to fourteen.
We are here to assist…
The Illinois DocAssist website has information for providers including impact on youth, binge drinking, screening with intervention and a resource toolkit. Providers can also access a free educational webinar with Illinois DocAssist Medical Director, Diane Misch, MD on Motivational Interviewing and Adolescent Substance Use.
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