Applied Evidence

Anticipating the care adolescents will need

Author and Disclosure Information

 

References

Alcohol use. Three in 5 high school students report ever having used alcohol.13 As with tobacco, adolescent alcohol use has declined over the past decade. However, binge drinking (≥ 5 drinks on 1 occasion for males; ≥ 4 drinks on 1 occasion for females) remains a common high-risk behavior among adolescents (particularly college students). Based on the Monitoring the Future Survey, 1 in 6 high school seniors reported binge drinking in the past 2 weeks.13 While historically more common among males, rates of binge drinking are now basically similar between male and female adolescents.13

While historically more common among males, rates of binge drinking are now basically similar between male and female adolescents.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has a screening and intervention guide specifically for adolescents.16A 2-question screening tool asking about personal use of alcohol and use of alcohol by friends is followed by a risk assessment with recommendations to advise young patients not to drink and to assist them with appropriate intervention and follow-up (https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Practitioner/YouthGuide/YouthGuidePocket.pdf).

Illicit drug use. Half of adolescents report using an illicit drug by their senior year in high school.13 Marijuana is the most commonly used substance, and laws governing its use are rapidly changing across the United States. Marijuana is illegal in 10 states and legal in 10 states (and the District of Columbia). The remaining states have varying policies on the medical use of marijuana and the decriminalization of marijuana. In addition, cannabinoid (CBD) products are increasingly available. Frequent cannabis use in adolescence has an adverse impact on general executive function (compared with adult users) and learning.17 Marijuana may serve as a gateway drug in the abuse of other substances,18 and its use should be strongly discouraged in adolescents.

Of note, there has been a sharp rise in the illicit use of prescription drugs, particularly opioids, creating a public health emergency across the United States.19 In 2015, more than 4000 young people, ages 15 to 24, died from a drug-related overdose (> 50% of these attributable to opioids).20 Adolescents with a history of substance abuse and behavioral illness are at particular risk. Many adolescents who misuse opioids and other prescription drugs obtain them from friends and relatives.21

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends universal screening of adolescents for substance abuse. This screening should be accompanied by a brief intervention to prevent, mitigate, or eliminate substance use, or a referral to appropriate treatment sources. This process of screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is recommended as part of routine health care.22

Continue to: Obesity and physical activity

Pages

Recommended Reading

ACR, AAD, AAO, RDS issue joint statement on safe use of hydroxychloroquine
MDedge Family Medicine
Decline in children’s COVID-19 cases slows
MDedge Family Medicine
Metformin for pediatric obesity? Researchers review the evidence
MDedge Family Medicine
Severe atopic dermatitis often puts a dent in quality of life
MDedge Family Medicine
Maternal chronic conditions predict cerebral palsy in offspring
MDedge Family Medicine
14-year-old girl • history of bullying • lack of social support • multiple linear scars on breasts • Dx?
MDedge Family Medicine
Vagisil offered teens a vaginal ‘glow up.’ Docs cry foul
MDedge Family Medicine
Is metformin effective for reducing weight in obese or overweight adolescents?
MDedge Family Medicine
Novel oral agent effective in teens with atopic dermatitis
MDedge Family Medicine
Heart health in pregnancy tied to CV risk in adolescent offspring
MDedge Family Medicine