Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Thursday, November 3, 2011

Substance Use Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment for Pediatricians



As a component of comprehensive pediatric care, adolescents should receive appropriate guidance regarding substance use during routine clinical care.

This statement addresses practitioner challenges posed by the spectrum of pediatric substance use and presents an algorithm-based approach to augment the pediatrician's confidence and abilities related to substance use screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment in the primary care setting.

Adolescents with addictions should be managed collaboratively (or comanaged) with child and adolescent mental health or addiction specialists.

This statement reviews recommended referral guidelines that are based on established patient-treatment–matching criteria and the risk level for substance abuse.


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