Substance abuse in Maryland: what physicians can do to help

Based on national prevalence studies and Maryland data, one out of 2 adults has used alcohol in the past month, one out of 4 has used cigarettes, and one out of 16 has used one or more illicit drugs. Annual prevalence rates are considerably higher, as are current rates for certain subgroups, including unemployed persons, young adults, certain racial and ethnic minorities, residents of metropolitan areas, men, and women in their childbearing years. Ten percent of persons age 12 or over need treatment for substance abuse, but less than one quarter of those receive it. Physician interventions with patients who are substance abusers have been shown to be effective, but physicians frequently do not detect their patients' alcohol or other drug abuse. Suggestions are offered to help physicians improve their ability to identify and treat or to refer patients with substance abuse problems.