Evaluation and management of drug problems in adolescents

With the emergence of recreational alcohol and marijuana use as normative behaviors in the older adolescent population, and the recognition of both addictive and problematic drug use as issues which impact upon teenagers, the health care professional has been left no option but to participate in the prevention of morbidity and mortality related to the use of psychoactive drugs. This participation requires knowledge of the role of these intoxicants in contributing to developmental dysfunction, family stress and accidents in the teenage population. By applying the interviewing skills, preventive health strategies and counseling techniques which have been used successfully in other aspects of childhood health care, health professionals should be well equipped to identify teenagers at risk from drug use and devise achievable goals and appropriate intervention for the reduction of illness secondary to such drug use.