Illicit drugs of abuse

Primary care physicians should be aware of the popular street drugs being abused in their practice areas. A basic understanding of the drugs and their use will make the physician more credible in the eyes of the patient. Patients may present a variety of symptoms associated with their chemical abuse. Specific presenting complaints, physical findings, and laboratory tests will help establish the diagnosis of substance abuse. After the diagnosis is established, a drug treatment program can bring about a seemingly miraculous recovery from the disease of chemical dependency, to the lasting benefit of the patient and the patient's family.