Archive | 2019
Screening for Substance Use and Associated Medical Conditions
Abstract
Early onset of substance use leads to a higher risk of developing psychosocial problems and a lifelong substance use disorder, which makes screening, prevention, and early intervention instrumental in moderating potential harm. Substance use can be viewed along a continuum from experimentation to problematic substance use and to mild, moderate, and severe substance use disorders. Nonmedical use of prescription medications also operates under a similar continuum and is particularly relevant to the adolescent age group since prescription medications may be more available to young people in some settings than are other substances. This chapter discusses key revisions from the DSM-IV to the DSM-5 and briefly explains how shifts in the diagnostic process impact the implementation of various screening tools. Evidence-based screening instruments are presented and described in detail. Additional health screening recommendations are outlined due to the high-risk behaviors associated with substance use.