The adolescent and substance use, an approach to office management.

Abstract

Adolescence is a period of transition. During this time young people explore many options in an attempt to define who they are. Substance use or abuse is an area of experimentation that creates anxiety for everyone involved and in which, as a health care provider, a physician may be asked to intervene. This article provides general principles regarding substance use, information about commonly used drugs, and recommendations on the diagnosis and management of this problem in an office setting.