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

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Substance use is best understood as a developmental process.
• Numerous personal, societal, and genetic factors influence substance use across development.
• Pediatricians can benefit from understanding brain and cognitive development to contextualize substance use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To frame substance use as a developmental issue.
• To present a practical screening tool for pediatricians.
• To aid in the assessment and education regarding substance use.

Main Methods:

• The study frames substance use as a developmental issue.
• It considers various risk and protective factors across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood.
• A screening tool focusing on 6 key areas is introduced.

Main Results:

• A developmental perspective provides context for understanding substance use.
• Brain and cognitive development are crucial for this understanding.
• A 6-area screening tool is presented for assessment and education.

Conclusions:

• Viewing substance use through a developmental lens is essential for effective intervention.
• Pediatricians can utilize developmental insights and screening tools to address substance use.
• The presented tool supports assessment and educational efforts in pediatric care.