Substance use refers to the consumption, inhalation, or injection of alcohol, tobacco products, marijuana, illicit drugs, and other substances, potentially leading to dependency and various harmful consequences.
In 2019, 60.1 percent of those aged 12 or above engaged in substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs, within the previous month. Specifically, 50.8 percent reported alcohol consumption, 21.1 percent used tobacco products, and 13.0 percent used illicit drugs during the past month.1
Patients struggling with the issue of substance use often rely on you to offer support and help them find the resources they need. The AAFP supports office-based treatments, including a framework for identifying and managing substance use disorders. You can find proven strategies to promote behavior change, specifically motivational communication with patients.
These resources will provide you with information and a variety of approaches to caring for patients who are struggling with substance use.
Jeffrey Quinlan, MD, FAAFP, a family physician and academic leader, discusses the rising concerns about cannabis use during pregnancy, elaborating on the significance of preconception counseling, the risks associated with substance use during pregnancy, and advocates for open communication between physicians and patients.
References:
1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration; 2020. Accessed August 23, 2023. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2019-nsduh-annual-national-report