(11/1/2011)

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says doctors should routinely screen their teenage patients for drug and alcohol use at every visit, and look for signs of dependence or addiction.

In a new policy statement, the group provides a guide to help doctors ask adolescents about substance abuse issues. Dr. Sharon Levy, co-author of the statement and Director of the Adolescent Substance Abuse Program at Children’s Hospital Boston, told Reuters the guide is needed because doctors don’t feel comfortable talking about drugs and alcohol with their teenage patients.

View the full article: http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/alcohol/pediatrician-group-calls-for-routine-drug-and-alcohol-screening-for-teens?utm_source=Join+Together+Daily&utm_campaign=cbbe483123-JT+Daily+News%3A+A+Picture+May+Be+Worth+a...&utm_medium=email

Keywords: pediatrician group, routine, drug, alcohol, screening, teens