Teens should be screened for substance abuse

Leading pediatricians say teens should be educated on substance abuse as well as screened for abuse at every doctor visit, stated in an article by the Los Angeles Times published on October 31st 2011.

"In a statement published in the November issue of the journal Pediatrics, members of the American Academy of Pediatrics said doctors can use a variety of screening tools to inquire into a teen's use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs."


The pediatrician's agreed that though the experimentation with different forms of drugs are common among teenagers, doctors should educated teens on the consequences of those actions and not condone them.

This article, though published in Los Angeles, hold relevancy to teenagers across the country.  Substance abuse is a problem faced by teenagers across the country and it is important preventative measures are taken.

To read this article click here.