ARTICLE SUGGESTS MORE TRAINING FOR PHYSICIANS IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE INTERVENTION

An article in Pediatrics journal [2009 July;124(1): 144-50] reported that when primary care physicians (PCPs) are concerned about substance use in an adolescent patient, they typically recommend a return visit to their own office more than twice as often as they refer patients to counseling, and they rarely planned to engage parents. The study concluded that PCPS need enhanced training and strategies for delivery of office-based interventions. Complete article: Primary Care Follow-Up Plans for Adolescents with Substance Use Problems.

How can we work with more PCPs to promote strong strategies and counseling for adolescents with alcohol and substance abuse?